This initiative brings together a group of dedicated student volunteers from UDST, QAST and Indonesian students from Sui Ambawang High School to learn from and inspire each other through mutual learning and cultural discovery.
Doha, Qatar: The Years of Culture (YoC) initiative teamed up with Education Above All Foundation (EAA) through its Reach Out to Asia (ROTA) programme to promote cross-cultural collaboration with this year’s YoC partner Indonesia.
The volunteer trip supports one of the EAA Foundation’s projects in the West Kalimantan Province in Indonesia. This initiative brings together a group of dedicated student volunteers from the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) and the Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST) and Indonesian students from Sui Ambawang High School to learn from and inspire each other through mutual learning and cultural discovery.
Student volunteers shared what they are most excited about ahead of their departure to Indonesia this week.
Nafeel Ahmed, student volunteer from UDST, said: “I love volunteering and I felt like this is one of the best opportunities to share my knowledge and expertise with students in Indonesia. Even if I’m able to get one student interested in the educational field, it means I’ve excelled in my field and given back to the community.”
Ward Shaker, student volunteer from UDST, said, “Throughout this experience, I hope to facilitate cultural exchange and provide Indonesian students with a glimpse of what life in Qatar looks like to help build connections. I hope that throughout this experience, I will help facilitate the exchange of cultures and ideas with Indonesian students. It is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about climate change and its impact.”
Kyra Zee Sales, student volunteer from the UDST, said, “I am most interested in learning about Indonesian music, arts, living, and, of course, Indonesian cuisine! This trip offers us a remarkable chance to educate ourselves and indulge in the rich Indonesian culture.”
Mohammed Al-Khaja, another student volunteer from UDST, shared, “Through this trip, I hope to make a lasting impact with the work we are doing in Indonesia, and to continue to grow and learn from different cultures all around the world.”
Eman Al Shatshani, another student volunteer from the UDST, said, “During the trip, students from Qatar and Indonesia will have the opportunity to exchange and learn from each other. It will be a chance to understand different perspectives, appreciate diverse cultures, and build strong connections between our communities.”
Another UDST student volunteer Aisha Shahzad said, “The cultural exchange between students from Qatar and Indonesia during this trip holds great potential for mutual understanding. By sharing cultural activities, we can showcase our traditions and values allowing for a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultures.”