Supporting the people of Palestine while also uniting the school community, a student-driven initiative at a Qatar Foundation (QF) school has emphasised the importance of charitable work and dedication to making a difference.
‘Falcon Fest’ was entirely organised by students at Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), part of QF's Pre-University Education, as a day of enjoyment and engagement for students, teachers, and families that also carried an important social message, with proceeds being contributed to Qatar Charity, specifically to aid the Palestinian cause.
"The primary purpose of our event is to collect funds for Palestine, demonstrating our unity with those impacted,” said Alia al-Thani, a 16-year-old student at QAD. “Through this event, we have expressed our firm support for them, and we are concentrating our efforts primarily on providing food, shelter, and medical aid.
“Beyond gathering donations, our ambition was to unite the school's community — students, teachers, and staff — for a day of enjoyment outside the classroom, fostering a sense of unity. This endeavour wasn't confined to our school alone; it encompassed all schools within QF, reaching out to the broader community.”
Hamad Abdullah al-Nuaimi, a 16-year-old student at QAD, highlighted how the purpose of the event was to enhance community bonds, enrich student development, and encourage active participation and responsibility throughout their educational experiences beyond the classroom setting.
"Our goal is to foster a school atmosphere where everyone – students, teachers, and parents alike – plays a crucial role, makes a significant contribution, and is vital to our shared achievements," al-Nuaimi added.
Al-Nuaimi explained that engaging in these activities has provided essential opportunities for learning and allowing for a positive contribution to the community, saying: “I gain insights and skills that not only foster my personal growth, but also allow me to give back and play a constructive role in the community."
Noura al-Thani, a 16-year-old student at QAD, believes events such as Falcon Fest significantly enhance students' sense of belonging within the school community, and says: "These events are not only popular, but also fortify the bonds within the school community."
"Through these events, we aim to extend our support to those affected by crises worldwide. Last year, our efforts were directed towards aiding the earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria, and this year we have focused on assisting our brothers and sisters in Palestine.”
Muhammad Khaled al-Zaini, a 15-year-old student at QAD, said: “Seeing the real results of what we've done is super rewarding for us as students. It feels like all the hard work and time we've put in means something and makes a difference in the real world.
“We're aiming to get every student involved in school, making it more fun and valuable for all of us. It's not just about getting good grades; it's about taking part in activities that make us feel connected and give us a say in what happens around us."
‘Falcon Fest’ was entirely organised by students at Qatar Academy Doha.
The primary purpose of the event was to collect funds for Palestine.
