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Qatar Foundation
5 hours ago
- Qatar Foundation
QF integrates chess into its schools to foster strategic thinking among students
Strategic partnership with the Qatar Chess Federation aims to develop students' cognitive, personal, and leadership skills Related Stories Story 5 min read Inaugural year of program at historic Al Khater House engaged over 200 participants Story Global sports gathering learns about Circle In – the QF, EAA Foundation, and IOC collaboration harnessing sports to advance equality, inclusion, and education in seven countries Story 3 min read Qatar Foundation has announced the appointment of Yousif Al-Naama as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and new, expanded responsibilities for Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani as the organization's Vice Chairperson.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
More Than a Game: How Qatar Foundation Schools Are Empowering Girls Through Sport
Hanane Djoua Doha In the sunlit courtyard of Tariq Bin Ziad School, laughter mingles with the steady rhythm of dribbling basketballs. A group of girls, sleeves rolled up and faces flushed with effort, work together on passing drills, their voices loud and confident. Among them is Huda Al Awadi, who not long ago might have been found sitting quietly on the sidelines, her hands clasped tightly in nervousness. Today, Huda is the captain of her school's basketball team — and a powerful symbol of what happens when schools, teachers, and communities commit to the belief that sport is for everyone. 'I used to be so shy, so afraid to make mistakes,' Huda reflects, her eyes bright with determination. 'But once I took that first step — with my teacher and family supporting me — I started to see myself differently. Now I feel like I can take on challenges, on the court and in life. I want to represent Qatar one day.' A Bold Vision for Girls' Sports Huda's story is part of a wider transformation unfolding across Qatar Foundation (QF) schools. Underpinned by a strategic vision and the support of dedicated educators, sport at QF is being reimagined as a tool not only for physical fitness, but for building confidence, leadership, and resilience — particularly among girls. 'Sport is a powerful platform for building life skills in real-time,' says Abdullah Al Kaabi, Head of Sports Affairs at QF's Pre-University Education (PUE). 'It teaches teamwork, discipline, resilience, and emotional intelligence — all essential beyond the field of play. For girls in particular, sport provides a unique opportunity to challenge stereotypes, build self-worth, and step into leadership roles.' Backed by Qatar Foundation's broader vision, the PUE Sports Affairs team — part of the Student Affairs and Community Engagement (SACE) Department — has spearheaded programs that go far beyond traditional PE classes. These include professional development for female educators, the creation of girls' leagues, the Her Time to Play basketball initiative, and seasonal sports camps that give students the chance to develop skills in disciplines from fencing and athletics to padel and volleyball. 'Our aim is to provide structured, inclusive environments where girls can thrive,' says Al Kaabi. 'Success is measured not in trophies, but in personal growth — when a shy student finds her voice, when a girl discovers a passion that shapes her future.' But this vision doesn't stop at the school gates. Al Kaabi describes how PUE's strategy integrates sport into the larger ecosystem of student development — connecting students to national sports federations, creating opportunities for students to participate in events like National Sport Day, and embedding sportsmanship, leadership, and community service into the curriculum. 'We see sport as a way to contribute to a student's whole identity. When a girl joins a basketball team, or signs up for fencing, she's not just learning a game — she's learning how to work in a team, how to manage pressure, how to bounce back from failure. Those lessons stay with her for life.' He highlights how partnerships with local and international bodies — such as the Jr NBA, Qatar Women's Sports Committee, and Olympic federations — have helped QF schools provide real pathways for aspiring athletes. 'We've seen students go from school PE classes to regional competitions,' Al Kaabi adds. 'And what's equally powerful is seeing students who may not want to compete at that level still walk away with self-confidence, friendships, and the joy of movement. That's a win in itself.' Al Kaabi is also proud of the way QF sports initiatives actively involve parents and families. Through open days, parent-child tournaments, and community workshops, PUE has created spaces where sport is seen as a shared experience — breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding. 'Family support is key, especially in shifting mindsets about girls in sport,' he explains. 'When parents see their daughters leading a team, competing with pride, or volunteering at an event, it changes perceptions. We're building not just individual confidence, but community confidence.' Looking ahead, Al Kaabi shares plans for further innovation: expanding the summer camp to introduce more emerging sports like archery and martial arts, developing talent ID pathways for girls, and using technology to track student progress in fitness and skill development. 'Our ultimate goal,' he says, 'is to normalize the idea that sport is for everyone — that it's not a side activity, but a central part of education and personal growth. When girls leave our schools, we want them to see sport as part of who they are.' Shaping Futures Through Mentorship One of the most passionate champions of this vision is Zaina Chaabane, PE teacher at Tariq Bin Ziad School. Zaina's own journey into sports began early, fueled by a deep belief in its transformative power. 'Sports were once seen mainly as a boys' activity,' Zaina explains. 'I saw it during my studies and in the early years of my career — girls often hesitated to join in, and physical education wasn't always given the value it deserves. But sport builds more than strength; it builds courage, teamwork, confidence. That's what I wanted to share.' Since joining TBZ in 2019, Zaina has worked to dismantle barriers that kept girls from fully embracing sport. She engaged parents to help shift perceptions, organized girls-only tournaments to provide safe and supportive spaces, and advocated for equal visibility and opportunity. 'Changing mindsets starts with small actions that add up,' she says. 'You involve parents, you celebrate girls' successes, you make sure they're seen and valued. And you help them take that first step into the challenge zone — where they can grow without fear of failure.' Zaina's approach also includes adapting to individual needs, whether that means modifying activities, providing extra training, or simply offering consistent encouragement. She shares stories of Arab women athletes who have succeeded internationally, showing students that their dreams are valid and achievable. The Spark That Ignites Change It's this blend of vision, mentorship, and opportunity that has inspired students like Huda to embrace sport as a central part of their identity. 'I'll never forget that game when I first scored,' Huda says. 'I almost didn't play — I was so nervous. But Ms. Zaina kept believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. After that, everything changed. I felt proud, I felt strong. I wanted to keep going.' Today, Huda not only leads her team but actively encourages other girls to join. She dreams of enrolling in a local sports academy and representing Qatar — ambitions that once felt impossible. 'I want younger girls to know that it's okay to feel shy at first. Just try. You'll surprise yourself with what you can do. And having someone who believes in you — like my teacher and my parents believed in me — makes all the difference.' Beyond the Court: Building Community and Leadership This ripple effect is visible across QF schools. Al Kaabi shares how one teacher, after attending a basketball workshop organized by PUE, founded a girls' team at her school. Through her dedication, the team flourished — and one player went on to join the prestigious Jr. NBA tournament. 'These success stories reflect the long-term impact of school-based sports development,' Al Kaabi notes. 'And the influence extends beyond the players. That team took part in National Sport Day at Education City, running basketball awareness sessions and demonstrations that brought together students, families, and the wider community.' Such initiatives do more than build athletic ability. They foster leadership, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. They create spaces where girls can take risks, learn from setbacks, and grow in confidence. Overcoming Challenges, Together The journey has not been without challenges. As Al Kaabi acknowledges, changing perceptions takes time and persistence. 'There was cultural hesitation around girls' participation in competitive sport, and a shortage of qualified female coaches,' he explains. 'We addressed this by engaging with parents and creating training, mentorship, and certification opportunities for female educators. It's about building trust and creating environments where girls feel safe, supported, and inspired.' Zaina agrees. 'When a girl who once sat out in silence steps up to lead, or dreams of representing her country, we've done more than teach sport — we've sparked belief in herself.' Looking Ahead: A Movement in Motion The momentum continues to build. This summer, PUE's sports camps will introduce new disciplines to broaden students' horizons and encourage exploration. There are plans for expanded inter-school leagues, talent identification programs, and deeper community engagement — all designed to ensure that sport remains a powerful, positive force in students' lives. For teachers like Zaina, the mission is clear: to create inclusive, exciting experiences where students — especially girls — can discover their voice and their strength. 'Sports are more than physical activity,' she says. 'They are a catalyst for personal growth. They give girls the chance to see themselves as leaders, as challengers, as people who can make a difference.' A Legacy of Confidence As the final whistle blows at another friendly match, Huda and her teammates gather in a circle, their faces glowing with pride. They have won more than points on a scoreboard. They have won belief — in themselves and each other. In Qatar Foundation's schools, sport is no longer just a game. It is a movement. A pathway to confidence, leadership, and lifelong growth — one girl, one team, one dream at a time.
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
QF integrates chess into schools to foster strategic thinking among students
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education, in collaboration with the Qatar Chess Federation, organized the Qatar Foundation Schools Chess Tournament with the aim of integrating chess into the educational activities of its schools. As part of a strategic partnership, a series of initiatives were introduced. These efforts led to the establishment of 11 chess clubs across Qatar Foundation (QF) schools, providing students with regular opportunities for training and practice, and contributing to the development of their strategic thinking, focus, and self-discipline. Abdulla Shaheen Al-Kaabi, head of Sports Affairs at QF's Pre-University Education, said: 'The agreement signed in this context is not merely a temporary collaboration, but a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the presence of chess in the educational environment. Our goal is to identify talented students who can be nurtured to represent Qatar in international competitions, contributing to the advancement of sports in the country.' Al-Kaabi explained that the integration of chess into QF schools began with training certified teacher-coaches and providing the necessary equipment. This led to dedicated lessons, internal tournaments, a major competition during Qatar's 2025 National Sport Day, and, ultimately, the Qatar Foundation Schools Championship. 'We believe that chess plays a significant role in shaping students' character, which is why we aim to expand its presence to as many schools as possible,' he added. 'Chess is not just a game, it is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, decision-making, and effective planning skills, all of which have a direct impact on students' academic performance and success.' Al-Kaabi pointed out that sports activities, particularly chess tournaments, have had a clear impact on promoting positive behavior among students by reinforcing values such as cooperation, mutual respect, and good sportsmanship. 'Through these activities, we strive to build a balanced educational environment that supports students' academic, personal, and skill development,' he explained. 'We also aim to instill values such as patience, resilience, and self-confidence, key elements in shaping future leaders capable of making effective decisions.' 'We place great importance on diversifying sports activities across the institution to give students the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their skills in various fields, whether physical, like running and swimming, or mental, like chess. This balance between physical and cognitive engagement contributes to shaping well-rounded individuals capable of excellence.' Jassim Nawaf Zainal, an eight-year-old student at Academyati, part of QF's Pre-University Education, said: 'I joined the chess tournament because I really love the game. My journey started when I watched instructional videos online, and I kept learning until I mastered the rules. 'This experience taught me that winning isn't everything. What matters most is enjoying the game and learning from it. Even losing can be a chance to improve, and this competition gave me more confidence and motivation. I'm sure I'll get better with every tournament I play. 'My family always stands by me and encourages me. Even when I feel tired or nervous, they keep supporting and motivating me to keep going and do my best.'
