'Walk for Education' on January 24 to Support Assalam Schools

• 100% of proceeds from the family event will be used to support Assalam Schools, providing free education to children in Qatar

Doha, Qatar—21 January 2025: The Assalam Schools, a flagship initiative of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation under its Together Project, is transforming lives by providing free education to marginalised children and youth in Qatar.

Since their inception, these tuition-free institutions have empowered over 18,000 students from diverse Arab and non-Arab communities, ensuring fair access to quality education and transforming countless lives. Working in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and High Education and supported by local donors, the 5 Assalam Schools have come a symbol of hope and resilience.

Enrolment across the Assalam Schools network has grown by over 60%, with an impressive attendance rate of 89%. These schools offer flexible learning options, including dual shifts, adult education, mainstream schooling, and homeschooling, catering to the diverse needs of students.

Assalam Schools represent a second chance at life for children like 15-year-old Mohammad, who arrived in Qatar from Syria in 2022. Mohammad overcame significant challenges, including recovering from heart surgery and adapting to a new environment. Joining the Fifth Assalam School in Grade 7, alongside his siblings in Grades 5 and 1, he rediscovered his love for learning. 'Being back in school renewed my interest in my favorite subjects – English and Science,' he shared. His teacher, Mr. Elias Al Hariri described him as 'a talented student who approaches challenges with optimism and is eager to reclaim the knowledge he missed.'

The Assalam Schools have also become a safe haven for children like Haneen, a 10-year-old who fled the civil war in Yemen. Initially struggling to adjust, Haneen has thrived academically and is now a top student in Grade 6 at the Fifth Assalam School. She dreams of becoming a teacher and hopes to one day contribute to rebuilding her homeland.

As part of its commitment to expanding access to quality education, EAA Foundation's Together Project is introducing two groundbreaking initiatives for the academic year 2025-26. The Fourth Assalam School will apply two curricula: the Cambridge curriculum and Qatar's National Curriculum for Grades 1-6 students from different nationalities. Simultaneously, the Sixth Assalam School will pioneer programs for children with moderate to severe disabilities, offering a tailored, adaptive curriculum and innovative learning methods such as online classes, home tutor visits, and occasional school trips. These initiatives represent a first in Qatar and demonstrate the Education Above All Foundation's commitment to inclusive education.

EAA Foundation invites the public to join the 'Walk for Education' event at MIA Park to support these transformative initiatives. The event will feature three symbolic walks around the park at 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM, alongside a range of exciting activities, including football tournaments, art competitions, bouncy castles, raffles, stage performances, food carts, and stalls highlighting corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

A special fundraising campaign, 'Buy a Brick, Build a School', will also take place during the event, allowing attendees to contribute directly to the construction and development of Assalam Schools. Every contribution will help provide a brighter future for children and ensure they have access to the quality education they deserve.

EAA Foundation encourages everyone in Qatar to join this impactful event and support children like Mohammad and Haneen in their pursuit of education. Together, we can make a lasting difference and empower the next generation through education.