Mukhayamna inspires active living, builds skills beyond classroom

Doha, Qatar: As children spend increasing amounts of time on screens, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education is offering a healthier alternative through its Mukhayamna summer camp, which encourages physical activity, social interaction, and personal development.

The camp provides programmes in sports, sustainability, arts, music, and leadership, with a focus on teamwork, confidence, creativity, and community engagement, helping students develop practical life skills beyond the classroom.

For many participants, the camp has transformed their summer experience. Salim Al Ansari, a Grade 6 student at Qatar Academy Sidra, said Mukhayamna strengthened his passion for football while teaching him the value of teamwork. “Being here has given me the chance to spend more time with my friends and become more active. At home, I used to get bored and spend long hours in front of screens playing video games,” he said.

Grade 5 student Abdulaziz Laram from the American International School in Cyprus (AISC) said the camp has helped shape his personality. “I’ve learned how to communicate better with others, improved my football skills, and learned many important social values. Most importantly, I learned how to rely on myself,” he said, adding that playing as a goalkeeper taught him responsibility and focus.

For Abdul Latif of ACS Doha International School and Mohammed Al Mansoori of Gulf English School, the camp replaced screen time with sports, friendships, and confidence-building experiences. Abdul Latif said he improved his swimming skills by learning diving techniques and underwater control, while Mohammed said he gained confidence in swimming and learned perseverance through the camp’s workshops. “Summer is no longer just about spending time in front of a screen. Every day I feel that I’m making good use of my time,” Mohammed said.

Wadha Al Mulla, a Grade 3 student at King’s College Doha, said the camp introduced her to several new sports, including hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, padel, and chess. “Hockey has become my favourite because it’s the most fun. The camp teaches us new things while allowing us to enjoy our time,” she said.

Returning participant Afra Al Marri, a Grade 4 student at Qatar Academy Doha, said she enjoyed the camp so much last year that she returned this summer. “Our coaches teach us how sports benefit us in life. Every day I go home feeling that I’ve achieved something and become more active and confident,” she said.

Ghoroor Ahmed, Health & Sports Affairs Specialist at Qatar Foundation, said the camp is refreshed annually to reflect seasonal sports and major international events, giving children opportunities to explore a wide range of activities.

She noted that Mukhayamna also identifies promising young athletes and connects them with sports federations. This year, five girls were nominated to the Qatar Cycling Federation, four joined QF’s Creating Pathways Programme, and two students joined the Qatar Chess Association. Several boys also progressed to the Qatar Cycling Federation.

“Our role doesn’t end when summer ends. We aim to help talented children take the next step by connecting them with sports federations and specialised organisations,” Ahmed said.