Qatar’s first Forest School at International School of London (ISL) celebrated its first anniversary with the popular community outreach initiative #bigbmeetup.
ISL Qatar played host to yet another episode of #bigbmeetup with a panel discussion themed on the Forest School and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“At ISL Qatar, we are adapting the Forest School programme that started in Europe in response to the needs of the community and the biodiversity we enjoy in Qatar. We have created this outdoor space as a tool for experiential learning, where students and staff are invited to enjoy learning in collaboration, developing their creative and thinking skills,” ISL Qatar’s Sustainability Research Institute co-ordinator Cristina Pawel said in a press statement.
The event began with an opening speech by Bosco Menezes, #bigbmeetup founder and moderator of the panel discussion, followed by Dr Sean Areias, head of School at ISL Qatar.
Renowned Qatari wildlife photographer, Azzam al-Mannai, in his keynote address spoke on the importance of preserving Qatar’s flora and fauna. He also introduced his photography exhibition at Eiwan Al Gassar Art Gallery which runs until November 9. The shots included a breathtaking array of images from the forests of Rwanda to underwater photos of Qatar’s whale sharks.
Three Eco-club students from the school presented the year’s sustainable projects elaborating on the Forest School progress since October 2021.
“We have now implemented phase 1 of this project which is the construction of a community garden where students can benefit from what they learn in their subjects to create projects related to nature. The space can also be used for reading, musical performances, science projects, reflection, and relaxation as well as learning more about Qatar’s native trees and desert environment,” Pawel said.
A panel discussion was the main event of the day that hosted Dr Mohammed Evren Tok, associate professor, Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar; Aisha al-Maadeed, founder of Greener Future; Bader al-Amari, ambassador SD Generation Network; and Pawel.
Prior to the event, panelists and the audience were treated to a walk around the Forest School.
“Absolutely pleased to celebrate our Estedama episode with ISL Qatar and champion sustainability along with them and other green thumbs of Qatar. The Forest School is a wonderful project and is in line with Qatar's 2030 vision along with Unesco’s SDGs. We need more forests and we can all start simply by planting a tree and nurturing nature,” Menezes said.
“At ISL Qatar, we are adapting the Forest School programme that started in Europe in response to the needs of the community and the biodiversity we enjoy in Qatar. We have created this outdoor space as a tool for experiential learning, where students and staff are invited to enjoy learning in collaboration, developing their creative and thinking skills,” ISL Qatar’s Sustainability Research Institute co-ordinator Cristina Pawel said in a press statement.
The event began with an opening speech by Bosco Menezes, #bigbmeetup founder and moderator of the panel discussion, followed by Dr Sean Areias, head of School at ISL Qatar.
Renowned Qatari wildlife photographer, Azzam al-Mannai, in his keynote address spoke on the importance of preserving Qatar’s flora and fauna. He also introduced his photography exhibition at Eiwan Al Gassar Art Gallery which runs until November 9. The shots included a breathtaking array of images from the forests of Rwanda to underwater photos of Qatar’s whale sharks.
Three Eco-club students from the school presented the year’s sustainable projects elaborating on the Forest School progress since October 2021.
“We have now implemented phase 1 of this project which is the construction of a community garden where students can benefit from what they learn in their subjects to create projects related to nature. The space can also be used for reading, musical performances, science projects, reflection, and relaxation as well as learning more about Qatar’s native trees and desert environment,” Pawel said.
A panel discussion was the main event of the day that hosted Dr Mohammed Evren Tok, associate professor, Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar; Aisha al-Maadeed, founder of Greener Future; Bader al-Amari, ambassador SD Generation Network; and Pawel.
Prior to the event, panelists and the audience were treated to a walk around the Forest School.
“Absolutely pleased to celebrate our Estedama episode with ISL Qatar and champion sustainability along with them and other green thumbs of Qatar. The Forest School is a wonderful project and is in line with Qatar's 2030 vision along with Unesco’s SDGs. We need more forests and we can all start simply by planting a tree and nurturing nature,” Menezes said.
