The Early Childhood Center at Qatar University (QU)'s College of Education hosted its annual festival to celebrate World Children's Day under the theme: “Qatar, My Home: History, Culture, and Arts." The event highlighted the importance of childhood as a cornerstone for building society and fostering cultural and social connections among children, parents, and the community.
The festival was attended by Prof. Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Vice President for Academic Affairs at QU; Prof. Asma Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Dean of the College of Education at QU; alongside several faculty members, parents, and representatives from participating organizations.
The event aimed to create an environment that enhances children's awareness of Qatar's rich history, culture, and heritage, instilling a sense of belonging and patriotism. It witnessed enthusiastic participation and meaningful engagement from various government entities and cultural and educational institutions. These entities contributed interactive activities that introduced children to different aspects of Qatari heritage through engaging events covering Qatar's history, natural environments, arts, crafts, traditional dances, songs, games, and cuisine, all tailored to suit the developmental stage of the young attendees.
In her welcoming address, Prof. Maryam Majid Al-Falasi, Acting Director of the Early Childhood Center at QU, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participating and supporting entities. She emphasized the significance of community collaboration in embedding Qatar's cultural identity in children's minds.
Participants and guests echoed the festival's importance, emphasizing the need for concerted community efforts to support childhood development. Parents expressed their delight in involving their children in this cultural event, which offered a creative and educational glimpse into Qatar's past and present.
The festival opened with a well-organized parade led by the Qatar Armed Forces Music Battalion, joined by all attendees, setting an uplifting and distinguished tone for the event. Trainer Shaeel Al-Kuwari, along with children from the Center and students from Al-Noor Language School, presented a heritage-inspired operetta sponsored by Tarsheed, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA). The performance celebrated Qatar's environment and strengthened children's connection to national traditions.
The children participated in outdoor activities provided by national organizations. These activities were a highlight of the festival, featuring contributions from Community Police, Heritage Police, and the Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Municipality. In addition to Heritage section, Katara Cultural Village, the Nomas Center at the Ministry of Culture, the Environmental Awareness Section of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Al-Kubaisi Educational Reserve, Tarsheed, Kahramaa, the Tarbiya Center—Tomorrow's Pioneers, the Al-Dosari Wildlife Reserve, and the Art Maze Center. These activities offered children hands-on experiences in heritage, professions, and arts through interactive workshops designed to promote learning and skill development in a joyful atmosphere.
Notably, the Early Childhood Center ensured that QU students were given the opportunity to volunteer during the festival. Students took on roles aligned with their academic disciplines, with art education students designing and executing the festival's decorations, while media students handled coverage and facilitated the opening ceremony. Volunteers from various disciplines assisted in welcoming and organizing visitors and managing transitions between activities. This provided them with valuable practical experiences to apply their skills in a real-world setting.