DOHA: Qatar Foundation for Education recently partnered with Best Buddies Qatar to host a fun-filled event for children with special needs.
The Buddy Carnival took place at Qatar Foundation Recreation Centre, and brought together 125 children and 72 buddies to participate in interactive and enjoyable activities.
Children enjoyed action-packed activities, including, face painting, henna tattooing, and cupcake decorating. They also took pictures with their favourite mascots and were entertained by delightful and lively acts, including a magic and puppet show, balloon twisting and the screening of the movie Frozen.
Designed to develop social skills of children, the event reinforced the commitment of QF and Best Buddies Qatar to create opportunities for children with special needs and help them further develop social skills with others in the same age group in a fun environment. Along with encouraging lasting friendships, initiatives also help increase self-esteem and confidence of children from both groups.
On QF’s participation in the carnival, Fahad Al Ansari, Community Services Manager, QF Support Services, said: “I believe we need to take better care of children with intellectual disabilities in Qatar. The carnival is a perfect example of how children can develop their social skills to join in with others, and how QF can help them develop within the community.”
Affirming the importance of the initiative, Rania Abou Ghaida, College Programme Coordinator, Best Buddies Qatar, said: “The role of Best Buddies Qatar is to increase awareness about children with intellectual difficulties and their right to be integrated into society. Events like this are great because interaction allows them to be less afraid and less socially isolated.” Rizan Baig, event volunteer and student at Texas A&M University at Qatar, said: “We’ve organised local events at Texas A&M Qatar before, but so far this is the largest. I am impressed by the number of attendees and the variety of activities.”
The Peninsula
