QM summer programmes kicks off

Qatar Museums (QM) launched its summer programmes for children Tuesday at five museums and the AI Digital Centre in the country, offering participants with a variety of engaging and educational activities focusing around the theme of well-being.
Kicking off at the Museum of Islamic Art, the “Exploring the Influence of Water” programme welcomed children aged 8 to 12. Participants had the opportunity to embark on a tour, engage in an art workshop, and enjoy a library session focused on the significance and impact of water. Running until Thursday, the programme is available in both English and Arabic, costs QR150, and has a limited capacity of 20 participants.
Next in line is a programme scheduled at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) on July 16-17, from 9 am to 1 pm, with a spotlight on the Olympics and mental health. This two-day activity, priced at QR100, aims to help children discover their personal capabilities, develop essential skills for making informed and healthy choices, enhance emotional awareness, and nurture their well-being.
On July 18, children aged 8 to 12 will be able to take part in the "Painting your Thoughts" programme at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), which places an emphasis on well-being and self-expression through art.
Participants can explore their emotions, engage in creative activities, and experience the therapeutic benefits of art under this programme. It includes a museum tour, group discussions, and the creation of mixed media artworks. The cost for the programme is QR50, and it is taught in English and Arabic.
The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is set to host the "Bookmaking and Mixed Media Workshop" on July 19-20 from 9 am to 1 pm. This programme invites children aged 8 to 12 to explore different art mediums and learn about modern and contemporary art concepts and practices. Conducted in Arabic, the activities include mixed media workshops and bookmaking workshops inspired by specific artists. It costs QR100.
At the Dadu, the Children's Museum of Qatar (currently hosted at QOSM), a week-long summer programme titled "Dadu planet Camp: Explore Health, Wellness, and the Environment" will take place from July 23 to 27.
Children aged 8 to 11 will engage in various activities and mini-challenges each day, including space station and rocket making, building survival suits, creating new settlements, and observing and painting wildlife. The programme aims to develop confidence, leadership skills, and environmental awareness. The cost for the whole week is QR650, and it is conducted in English.
In addition, the AI Digital Centre at NMoQ will be hosting the "Coding Your Wellbeing with the AI Digital Centre" programme from July 30 to August 3, aimed at introducing children to ideas of well-being and emotional expression through the virtual world.
Participants will have the opportunity to create apps using micro bit to support emotional well-being. Other activities include breathing exercises, Kahoot, creating SharePoint spaces, Minecraft, and a themed tour. The programme, conducted in Arabic and English, is free but limited to 20 participants per day.
According to QM, these summer programmes aim to provide enriching experiences for children while fostering their knowledge, creativity, and well-being. QM sees these programmes as a way to support informal learning and believes in the transformative power of education and museums as catalysts for learning and creativity.
In the past five years, QM has engaged more than 75,000 individuals through workshops, lectures, and school visits, and it continues to collaborate with academic institutions, schools, and organisations to provide lifelong learning opportunities and cultural awareness.