Doha, Qatar is leading the way in environmental education through the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, operated by Qatar Foundation. The center is the national operator for the Eco-Schools program in Qatar, which has been empowering students to implement sustainable change in their communities since its establishment in 2018. Through a partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Earthna has successfully engaged with 20 public schools in Qatar, training 67 teachers in the process.
The Eco-Schools program in Qatar plays a vital role in fostering environmental awareness among Qatari youth, with a recent milestone being the collaboration with 20 public schools. Ruba Hinnawi, Technical Lead at Earthna, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to integrating education for sustainability into the educational system. The program offers students hands-on activities and events like the Eco-Schools Congress, where students can showcase their environmental achievements and inspire others to join the movement.
The most recent Eco-Schools Congress in 2023 focused on marine and coastal ecosystems, aligning with the Earthna educational publication titled Qatar Unique Marine Ecosystem. Students at the congress took on the role of eco-entrepreneurs and created reusable bags from leftover fabric to replace plastic bags and reduce plastic pollution. These bags are now being sold at various locations within Qatar Foundation’s Education City, with proceeds going towards tree planting activities under the QF Park and Plant initiative.
The Eco Schools Congress brings together schools to celebrate their environmental achievements and foster a culture of collective learning and innovation. Maryam Ansari, Creative Studio Specialist at QF Marketing, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting their alignment with QF’s mission for sustainability at the Education City Gift Shop. By championing innovative sustainability ideas and supporting educational initiatives, Qatar Foundation is shaping a sustainable future through the Eco-Schools program and other initiatives.
In conclusion, Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future is leading the way in environmental education in Qatar through the Eco-Schools program. By engaging with public schools and training teachers, the program is empowering students to take action for environmental sustainability in their communities. The Eco-Schools Congress provides a platform for students to showcase their environmental achievements and inspire others to join the movement towards a sustainable future. With initiatives like the creation of reusable bags from wasted fabric, Qatar Foundation is demonstrating its commitment to environmental advocacy and community engagement.
