Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) recently organized an award ceremony to recognize the winners of the ‘Time to Quit’ contest, which was launched for the second consecutive year. The contest, aimed at middle and high school students, was initiated in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31 each year. Collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the competition’s goal was to educate students about the dangers of tobacco, the importance of quitting, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Participants were required to create short videos meeting specific criteria set by the society, with entries being judged by a panel of experts based on various factors such as artistic quality, scientific content, message delivery, and alignment with the society’s objectives.
The award ceremony, attended by Mona Ashkanani, the General Manager of QCS, honored winners from various schools, including Al Wakra Secondary School for Boys, Khalifa Secondary School for Boys, Al-Arqam Academy, Next Generation School, and the Philippine International School Qatar. The event also included a panel discussion on the health and social benefits of living without smoking, with specialists such as Dr. Ahmad Abdullah from the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation and Khamees al Mohannadi from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education participating in the debate. The significant participation from governmental, private, and international schools in the contest was commended by Ashkanani, who emphasized the society’s mission to prevent cancer and reduce its impact in Qatar through education, support for cancer survivors, and scientific research.
Highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the risks of tobacco and promoting healthy habits among youth, Noor Mekkiya, a health educator at QCS, shared insights on the contest’s significance. With over 160 artistic works submitted by middle and high school students, the contest aimed to emphasize the dangers of tobacco, the benefits of quitting, and the avoidance of passive smoking, while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Mekkiya pointed out that World No Tobacco Day serves as a global campaign to spread awareness about the hazards of tobacco and promote smoking cessation, especially targeting the youth who are at a crucial stage of developing healthy behaviors and breaking negative habits. This yearly contest serves as a platform for school students to learn about the link between tobacco and diseases like lung cancer, further fulfilling the society’s mission to educate the community and support cancer prevention initiatives.
In aligning with the society’s objectives to combat cancer and promote a healthier lifestyle, the ‘Time to Quit’ contest serves as an impactful initiative to engage students in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco. With the support of key partners such as the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the contest not only educates young individuals about the importance of quitting smoking but also empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their health. By involving experts in the panel discussion and attracting participants from various schools, QCS ensures that the message reaches a wider audience, inspiring positive changes within the community. The success of the contest in generating artistic works and active participation reflects a growing awareness and commitment to combatting cancer and promoting a smoke-free environment in Qatar.
With the commitment to educate, support, and empower individuals in the fight against cancer, Qatar Cancer Society continues to lead initiatives like the ‘Time to Quit’ contest to engage the community in tobacco prevention efforts. By providing a platform for students to express their creativity and knowledge on the dangers of tobacco, the society encourages a collective effort towards a healthier future. Through partnerships with educational institutions and health professionals, QCS aims to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among the youth, paving the way for a generation free from the harms of tobacco and other preventable diseases. As the society remains dedicated to its mission, events like the ‘Time to Quit’ contest stand as a testament to the relentless pursuit of a cancer-free society in Qatar.
