Sheikha Moza takes part in social entrepreneurship event

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), attended Tuesday a special event for the Social Entrepreneurship Programme, organised by QF’s Pre-University Education (PUE) in collaboration with Mentor Arabia.

The event highlighted the importance of ethical leadership and the role of social entrepreneurship in driving positive change.

The event was also attended by Queen Silvia of Sweden, president of Mentor International, and Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, chairman of Mentor Arabia.

During the event, seven finalists presented five entrepreneurial projects, showcasing their innovative ideas and social impact, with a strong emphasis on their potential to drive sustainable development. A distinguished panel of experts and social entrepreneurship specialists assessed the projects based on key criteria, including creativity, sustainability, feasibility, and overall societal impact.

This valuable experience provided participants with constructive feedback and strategic guidance, enabling them to refine their initiatives, develop their ideas, and transform them into impactful and sustainable long-term projects.

Sheikha Noof Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, executive director, Strategic Initiatives in Pre-University Education, QF emphasised that upholding core values is essential in a rapidly changing world, as they form the foundation for building resilient societies.

"The Community Entrepreneurship Programme aims to empower young people by equipping them with the skills and support needed to develop impactful social initiatives that align with the vision of the 'Akhlaquna' initiative.” She added, “Education at QF goes beyond academic achievement; it is about shaping character, fostering social responsibility, and instilling ethical values.”

Sheikha Noof highlighted that the programme has successfully developed leadership skills and transformed ideas into practical solutions. She pointed out that the partnership between Akhlaquna and Mentor Arabia reinforces ethical values through specialised training in social entrepreneurship.

Fatima Salem Naqadan, a 24-year-old student at Qatar University, was honoured for her project 'Carrot Cash', a parent-controlled digital wallet designed to reignite children’s motivation by encouraging them to complete tasks and develop themselves. The project was recognised for its excellence and innovation in social entrepreneurship. In celebration of their efforts and significant contributions, all participants were invited to the stage, highlighting their collective role in driving innovation and fostering a positive societal impact.

Naqadan, said: "Winning this project gives me great motivation to continue developing it and enhancing its impact. It is not just a personal achievement but a step towards creating tangible change that benefits individuals and society.”

Anthony Abi Zeid, programme director at Mentor Arabia Foundation, said: "The programme aims to build a thriving and empowered youth community by equipping participants with the necessary skills, resources, and support to successfully launch, grow, and sustain social entrepreneurship projects. Our goal is not only to provide knowledge but to create a real and lasting impact on society."

He noted that 22 participants were selected for this edition of the programme, allowing them to benefit from more intensive and tailored training. He added: "We are committed to ensuring that each participant receives the guidance and support needed to achieve their goals in the field of social entrepreneurship."