Latest news with #TribuneNewsNetworkDohaQatarFoundation
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- 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.'
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Earthna co-launches MENA coastal resilience programme
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future has launched The Blue Economies for Coastal Resilience (BEFCR) programme in partnership with MENA Oceans initiative by Goumbook. This strategic initiative was unveiled at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco on June 7, 2025, in the lead-up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is taking place in France from June 9 to 13, 2025. BEFCR is the first initiative of its kind in the region and aims to accelerate regenerative blue economies, strengthen climate resilience in coastal cities, protect marine biodiversity, and unlock investment in ocean infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The programme's first phase, running from June 2025 to January 2026, will deliver a strategic landscape assessment of key blue economy sectors in MENA. The outcome will be a regional roadmap that supports infrastructure resilience, ocean health, and economic growth in coastal cities. The BEFCR programme reflects Earthna's broader commitment to sustainable development and environmental resilience. 'The launch of the BEFCR Programme reflects our shared conviction at Earthna that climate resilience in MENA's coastal cities must be rooted in both science and innovation. By aligning economic growth with ecosystem regeneration, we are paving new pathways for sustainable prosperity across the region,' said Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, CEO, Earthna. BEFCR will focus on six key sectors - maritime transport, coastal tourism, offshore energy, fisheries, desalination, and coastal development. The initiative seeks to foster cross-sectoral collaboration, identify investment gaps, enhance coastal protection, and promote nature-based and hybrid infrastructure solutions. Earthna will co-lead Phase 1 of the programme, including the production of the Blue Economies for Coastal Resilience Outlook Report, to be released at the 3rd MENA Oceans Summit in late 2025. The programme emerged as a flagship outcome of the MENA Blue Finance Leadership Think Tank, convened at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum by MENA Oceans in partnership with the UN Climate Champions Team. The forum gathered policy makers, scientists and private-sector leaders to reshape the role of finance in advancing marine resilience and ocean-positive outcomes in the of new programme to accelerate regenerative blue economies and marine biodiversity protection across MENA
Qatar Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
QF gathering sheds light on role of national talent in shaping education
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE) hosted the Qatari Educators Gathering, an annual event for national employees, highlighting the pivotal role of national talent in driving educational progress across QF's Pre-University Education ecosystem. The event brought together 200 Qatari employees from across PUE, showcasing inspiring success stories and fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and ongoing development within QF's learning community. During the gathering, Abeer Al Khalifa, president of QF's Pre-University Education, noted: 'This annual forum is more than just a traditional event. It's a moment to celebrate the initiatives and achievements we've built together, and the meaningful impact they continue to make. 'Through their spirit of teamwork and dedication, everyone has embodied the values of our Foundation and contributed to driving progress and delivering initiatives that we take great pride in today.' Al Khalifa noted that this year's celebration, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of QF, marks an important milestone to reflect on the QF's pivotal role in advancing education, science, and community development both locally and globally, while continuing to look ahead with a vision that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. 'At QF, we firmly believe that unlocking human potential lies at the heart of our mission. That's why we are committed to fostering a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity and innovation,' She added: 'Where every employee feels valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute ideas and initiatives that strengthen QF's impact.' Al Khalifa emphasised that the knowledge and experience individuals gain is a valuable asset, one that extends beyond personal growth to contribute meaningfully to the nation and the wider community. 'Within Pre University Education, we believe that growth is a continuous journey, one that goes beyond traditional frameworks and evolves with every experience. Whether through mentoring and training programmes or personal and professional development initiatives, we are committed to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for our people.' Al Khalifa concluded by highlighting the importance of the accomplishments achieved over the past year, expressing her appreciation to all team members for their commitment and creative spirit. She reiterated QF's continued dedication to providing the support and resources needed to further develop their skills and empower them to navigate change with confidence and competence. The current academic year witnessed several achievements that reflect Pre-University Education's commitment to excellence in developing Qatari talent. Among the highlights was the participation of 50 Qatari leaders and staff members in an advanced training programme, delivered in collaboration with MCE and the University of Michigan, designed to strengthen their leadership skills and equip them to meet the demands of the future. The forum also honoured a distinguished group of participants from the Qatar Leadership Centre programme, along with Pre-University Education scholarship recipients pursuing master's and bachelor's degrees and graduates of the Masar programme.
