In celebration of World Children’s Day, the Orphans Care Centre (Dreama), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), has launched a campaign titled 'The First Call' at Hamad International Airport (HIA).
The campaign aimed to promote global solidarity, raise awareness of children’s rights, and improve their well-being worldwide. It carried a profound message: 'The First Call' marks the beginning of a new journey to support children and uphold their rights—not the last call.
The campaign adopted the slogan: “The journey marks the beginning, and children around the world need every opportunity,” emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for every child to achieve a brighter future. It focused on fostering social inclusion for all children, with a special emphasis on orphaned children, to enhance their sense of belonging and empower them to integrate into society.
As part of the campaign, a creative artwork titled 'Al-Bokhnaq' by Qatari artist Fatima al-Shibani was unveiled. The artwork reflects Qatari cultural values and symbolizes solidarity with children worldwide. It features a sculpture of a mother wearing the traditional bokhnaq, carrying a suitcase, followed by her children, each carrying suitcases as well. The artwork highlights the importance of children feeling safe and cared for, with the mother representing community members supporting children, and the interactive suitcases conveying positive messages from the public.
In a gesture of appreciation, the 'Al-Bokhnaq' artwork was displayed at HIA, serving as a testament to promote human values and highlight the importance of supporting children’s rights. The event was attended by Abdulaziz al-Mass, Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communication at HIA, who delivered a thank-you speech expressing his appreciation for this ground-breaking initiative that highlights children’s rights.
Hamad Ali al-Khater, Chief Operating Officer at HIA, said: "We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Social Development and Family and Dreama Center in celebration of World Children’s Day. As the gateway to the State of Qatar, Hamad International Airport plays an integral role in creating awareness on the importance of children’s rights to its millions of passengers. We look forward to fostering and sustaining humanitarian partnerships that will continue to add value to the communities we serve.”
Travelling children and transit passengers were invited to write special messages for World Children’s Day and attach them to the suitcases featured in the artwork. These messages created a global call for community cooperation in supporting children and advocating for their rights.
The campaign also included an informational booth in the departure area of the airport, which ran for 48 hours. It featured an interactive children’s corner with activities such as a tic-tac-toe game and building blocks for writing motivational phrases. Visitors to the booth received activity booklets and water bottles, with an opportunity to write solidarity messages directed to children worldwide.
Sheikhah Najla bint Ahmed al-Thani, Executive Director of Dreama, highlighted the significance of the campaign, stressing that 'The ‘First Call’ campaign reflects our commitment to supporting children and promoting their rights, not only in Qatar but across the globe. Through these activities, we aim to send a message of hope that every child has the right to safety, care, and a bright future.”
