ISL Qatar launches the Forest School Project

ISL Qatar in partnership with Bosco Menezes (founder of #bigbmeetup and bigbfotografi) organised ‘Estedama’ (Arabic for ‘Sustainability’), a round table eco conversation moderated by Menezes himself. Amongst the speakers were Fatima Mohammed (contemporary Qatari artist), Aisha al-Maadeed (founder of Greener Future), Khaled Zaki (PADI ambassador). Joining the debate were the ‘Forest School Project’ team members - Cristina Pawel (Research Institute & Eco School Coordinator), Sean Areias (Head of School), Shashi Narayanan (Architect and Parent Volunteer), Stella Bianchi and Maryam Buraimoh (ISL Qatar IB Diploma students). As the evening progressed, young Qatari female green ambassadors Mariam al-Hajri, Noora al-Muftah and Hamad al-Jabra joined the conversation. ISL Qatar Parent volunteers Amel Sisbane and Shreya Suraj, DEAP volunteer and founder of ‘Anybody Can Draw’ also engaged with the eco debate. Menezes, opened the evening with a speech followed by Sean Arieas, Head of School at ISL Qatar. Prominent Qatari pro-sustainability artist Fatma Mohammed presented her innovative Abaya made with plastic bottles and spoke about how she was overwhelmed to see the amount of plastic abuse especially during covid. The evening proceeded with PADI ambassador Zaki giving the audience a master class on the evil of plastic in the ocean with a wonderful ‘educational video’.The ‘Forest School Project’ promises to augment and enhance ISL Qatar’s extensive school gardens. From a learning perspective, the ‘Forest School Project’ is designed to develop students’ awareness of biodiversity, promote eco-friendly activities, alongside inspiring curriculum changes. The project launch coincided with the culmination of the first ISL Qatar ‘Sustainability Week’. The event was capped with a ceremonious planting of trees at the Forest Tree Project spot by Hamad al-Jabra (Greener Future Qatar) , Ehsan Malik (Solo beach cleanup volunteer), Shashi Narayanan (ISL Qatar Parent Volunteer) and Menezes.