Sharing a SenSe of community

n its quest to improve quality of life for the less-advantaged, Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) empowers individuals to make a difference

to their local communities by investing in, and building, the infrastructure to support education.

By giving individuals the opportunity to unlock their own potential, ROTA is helping to meet one of Qatar Foundation’s primary goals. Our achievements, however, would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers, who give so freely in assisting those in need across Asia. While much work is undertaken to develop ROTA’s overseas programs, our volunteers also seek to support those within Qatar in many of our activities.

It was a pleasure for ROTA to welcome delegates of the 20th Annual iEARN International Conference and 17th Youth Summit to Qatar. The event, hosted in July, offered youth the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to utilize Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. ROTA is also indebted to its young volunteers who gave their time to support in the organizing and fulfillment of activities at the Conference.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, ROTA’s focus was on sharing and supporting underprivileged members of society. In collaboration with ROTA’s corporate partners, our volunteers made a difference to less fortunate communities. They packed basic groceries for distribution to those in need. They participated in celebratory iftars, by sharing their meal with elderly and special needs members of society. They helped children in the Hamad Hospital Pediatric Unit and the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre take part in the festival of Garangao, bringing joy and laughter to the event. They renovated the homes of two families in need, undertaking home maintenance, repainting, and furniture assembly.

During this time of reflection on the poverty and hardship of others, our volunteers never fail to communicate to us how they feel they too have benefited. In gaining an insight into the lives of others and finding enrichment in the act of giving, they feel a sense of learning.

Shared experiences are fundamental to the act of volunteering and we at ROTA are proud to acknowledge the efforts of our volunteers. International Volunteer Day on 5 December will give a focused opportunity to thank some of these committed individuals.

Throughout this newsletter issue you will see examples of volunteering in action and the tremendous results it can bring about.

essa al mannai, executive Director, rota

the reach out to aSia QuarterLy neWSLetter, iSSue 2, november 2013

eDucating future generationS

SUPPORTING QATAR’S COMMUNITY, P2 ROTA CHAIRPERSON VISITS SCHOOl, P3 SUPPORTING EDUCATION, P7

WWW.facebook.com/reachouttoaSia tWitter.com/reachouttoaSia WWW.youtube.com/uSer/reachouttoaSiatv WWW.reachouttoaSia.org

ROTA AND ACTION IN NEPAl GIVE CHIlDREN AN EDUCATION SO THAT THEY CAN GROW UP TO SUPPORT THEMSElVES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.

i

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Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani aims for next mountainTHE QUEST TO RAISE $1M FOR ROTA IN NEPAl CARRIES ON AFTER SUCCESSFUl ClIMB TO EVEREST SUMMIT

neWS rounD-uP neWS rounD-uP

rota chairPerSon viSitS camboDia to aSSeSS SchooL Project

er Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Ham-ad Al Thani, ROTA Chairperson, recently vis-ited the Hun Sen-ROTA School in the Kandal

Province of the Kingdom of Cambodia to assess one of the largest and most important educational ROTA projects.

The school, which covers 75,000 square meters, has 1,000 students and 90 teachers at present, and is ex-pected to accommodate 2,500 students when it reaches full capacity in a few years.

Cambodia is currently one of ROTA’s top priorities as the country strives to overcome issues such as a lack of qualified teachers and financing.

During her visit, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa toured the school’s buildings, attended a briefing by the school’s acting director on the ongoing moderni-zation and development of the educational process, and participated in a tree planting ceremony in the school’s garden to emphasize the importance of pre-serving the environment.

Her Excellency concluded her school tour by

HUN SEN SCHOOl IS ONE OF ROTA’S lARGEST PROJECTS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

Numerous educators and students in Indonesia have benefited from ROTA’s Teacher Quality Improve-ment Program (TQI) over the last three years. The TQI program, operated in collaboration with Vodafone Qatar, has been success-ful in improving teachers’ educat-ing techniques throughout the Yogyakarta region of the country.

It is estimated, that by the summer of 2014, 1,500 teachers will have attended TQI work-shops, which will benefit 180,000 students across 500 schools.

launched by ROTA in 2010,

the program, designed to help teachers develop their educat-ing and delivery skills, is being implemented by the Titian Foundation. Through a series of workshops, teachers are helped to prepare lesson plans and un-derstand classroom dynamics.

“Our TQI program has offered an extraordinary opportunity for teachers and students to access quality education that will be in-strumental in shaping the future of many young people,” said Jonathan Miller, ROTA’s Interna-tional Program Manager.

OTA Brand Ambassador Sheikh Moham-med Bin Abdullah Al Thani is well on his way to raising $1 million for ROTA’s

education projects in Nepal after becoming the first Qatari to scale Mount Everest. Next on his list is the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley Or Denali.

As Brand Ambassador for ROTA, Sheikh Moham-med Al Thani aims to raise awareness. “Wherever I go, I try my best to talk about ROTA’s projects, and how people stand to benefit all over the world,” he said at a ROTA press conference held on his return.

“My main role now is to raise $1 million, and that will of course all go to Nepal for education-based projects. We are looking for corporate sponsorships. Individual contributions have been very generous and welcome. However, to raise that amount you need corporates to lend a hand.”

Mohamaed Al Naama, Director of Fundraising, Events and Marketing at ROTA, said Sheikh Moham-med Al Thani’s Everest achievement “would support sport programs with the goal of promoting inclusive sports in selected project schools.”

Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani paid a visit to one of the ROTA supported schools in Nepal prior to the climb. Describing it as a ‘humbling’ experience, he added he was thrilled at the fact that so many Nepa-lese knew about Qatar.

To support the fundraising campaign: https://www.facebook.com/reachouttoasia/app_120356581497595

rota engageS LocaL community During ramaDan

h

helping teachers

to help children

watching a folk dance performance, before visiting the house of one of the Hun Sen female students who has close ties with the Qatari female students who previ-ously visited Cambodia.

The student’s family expressed their sincere appre-ciation to Her Excellency for visiting the school.

The Hun Sen-ROTA secondary and technical public school was constructed in Kandal Province during 2009-2010, under the terms of a Memorandum of Under-standing entered into with the Cambodian Monithapana Foundation in 2007. The first–of-its-kind school in Cam-bodia not only gives internationally recognized levels of education, but also supports the local community.

Commenting on the visit of Her Excellency, Jabor bin Ali Al Dosari, the Ambassador of Qatar to Cambodia, said: “Cambodian officials, led by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, have expressed their admiration for this ROTA educational project. The local officials thank the State of Qatar and appreciate its efforts in support-ing education in the Kingdom of Cambodia.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY AUCTION RAISES FUNDS FOR STUDENT SCHOlARSHIPS

Hun Sen students performed a folk dance for Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani.

OTA’s 2013 Ramadan Project celebrated the Holy Month through various activi-ties and events. Sponsored by Oxy Qatar,

these ranged from a community iftar for the elderly, to a house renovation project, children’s Garangao activities, and a project to pack groceries for needy families in Qatar.

A long-established community partner, the Qatar Foundation for Elderly Care has been hosting iftars as a part of ROTA’s volunteer led annual Ramadan project for a number of years.

The iftar for the elderly was hosted in the pres-ence of Her Excellency Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, Board Member, ROTA.

“ROTA is committed to building partnerships with Qatar’s community-based organizations. The Holy Month of Ramadan was a time to reflect on solidar-ity and foster camaraderie, and community iftars are our way of caring and sharing for others,” said Essa Al Mannai, Executive Director, ROTA.

ROTA’s 2013 Ramadan Project supported 200 needy families in Qatar through the bulk packing

and distribution of groceries. This included basic food items such as rice, oil, milk, and flour.

A team of ROTA volunteers gave the home of a disadvantaged family in Al Shamal a renovation. The three-day makeover saw the team undertake essential maintenance and repairs, painting, and the assembly and installation of new furniture.

Commenting on Oxy Qatar’s support, Steve Kelly, President and General Manager said: “Oxy Qatar is delighted to support ROTA’s 2013 Ramadan Project

once again, as part of its commitment to engage with the community to help improve the lives of the less fortunate.”

ROTA also hosted a special iftar for 20 people at the Residential Care Compound, a care facility for men with psychiatric conditions at Rumailah Hospital.

“We would like to say a special thank you to our partners who have made our 2013 Ramadan Project possible, and thank each of the volunteers for their hard work,” added Al Mannai.

r

rota helps iearn celebrate its 25th anniversary

ROTA helped the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) mark its 25th anniversary from 1 to 6 July, 2013, by welcoming the event to the region for the first time.

In hosting the 20th Annual International Conference and 17th Youth Summit, iEARN brought together 700 teachers, students, and ICT specialists from 50 countries to discuss how technology is deployed in the classroom. ROTA provided scholarships for 30 teachers and students to travel to Qatar to attend.

Essa Al Mannai, Executive Director, ROTA, explained how important iEARN was. “This year’s forum proved that the iEARN agenda has never been more relevant. We are working together with all the educators to achieve pro-gress and to realize our aspirations of a world where everyone is connected, and where eve-ryone can benefit from and participate in the digital world,” he said. In hosting iEARN, ROTA was partnered by the Supreme Education Council (SEC), with RasGas as Gold Sponsor and Qatar Vinyl Company as Bronze Sponsor.

The conference program encompassed eight plenary sessions, two panel discussions, and over 90 workshops and presentations.

Students participated in cultural activities highlighting their traditions and celebrating the diversity of the event.

ROTA has been iEARN’s official Qatar rep-resentative since 2008. Since then, 411 teach-ers from 99 schools have attended ROTA’s iEARN Qatar workshops, and participated in a range of projects.

in Short

SuPPorting nePaL

r

ROTA is grateful for Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani’s support. The organization has been involved in Nepal since 2009. It remains one of the most impoverished countries in South East Asia.

Driven by its commitment to humanitarian contributions, K108 Hotel has made a donation to ROTA in support of its pioneering work.The K108 concept hotel, which is located in the Old Ghanim area of Doha and gives all of its profits to charity, presented ROTA with a QR250,000 donation in September 2013. Essa Al Mannai, Executive Director, ROTA, said: “We are indebted to K108 Hotel for their generous donation. The entire donation will go directly to delivering projects in underprivileged communities and will make a real difference to so many people.”The hotel pays homage to the late father of its owner, Yousef Hussein Kamal, the former Minister of Economy and Finance, who inherited the land where the hotel is situated. Maher Marius Abbouchy, General Manager of K108 Hotel explained: “We are dedicated to supporting the Qatari community and recognizing the efforts demonstrated by organizations helping the less privileged. Moreover, developing human capital through education or social care is a central component of our hotel’s values, as we strongly believe that this is an integral part of our commitment towards the community.”

rota receiveS aDDeD booSt

Brand Ambassador for ROTA, Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani.

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rota and vodafone Qatar celebrate ongoing partnership

rota ProjectSrota ProjectS

rota and vodafone Qatar celebrate ongoing partnership n 2012, Vodafone Qatar confirmed

the strength of its partnership with ROTA by donating $2.5 million to

support education and community initiatives implemented in Qatar, Nepal, and Indonesia.

“ROTA is grateful to Vodafone Qatar for its generosity in allowing us to continue our mission of helping people affected by crisis across Asia and around the world to have continuous access to relevant and high-quality primary and secondary education,” said Essa Al Mannai, Executive Director, ROTA. “Our partnership has contributed directly to the mission of community service alliance, and helped us meet the needs of those we serve.”

Senior executives and project managers representing ROTA and Vodafone Qatar attended a review meeting recently to assess the progress of their education and community projects, and to establish future plans to take the partnership forward.

Working together, ROTA and Vodafone Qatar have created a number of life-changing educational initiatives, bringing hope of a better future to individuals and communities across Asia.

“With Vodafone’s help, ROTA has been able to support innovative and exciting education projects in countries that need them most. Here in Qatar, youth leaders have benefited from the establishment of ten ROTA Youth Service Clubs that are changing the shape of community service in Qatar,” said Al Mannai.

“Vodafone’s purpose has always been to make a world of difference, whether in the way people communicate, or in improving their quality of life,” explained Dana Haidan, Head of Corporate Responsibility, Vodafone Qatar. “Our partnership with ROTA has resulted in life-changing programs and initiatives for tens of thousands of adults and children living in troubled communities across Asia. We are proud of our relationship with ROTA, and we look forward to collaborating on new projects in the years ahead,” added Haidan.

Five-year collaboration benefiting communities in Asia

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650 students, 50 teachers,

AND 400 families BENEFITED FROM VOlUNTEER TRIPS IN 2012

nepalTeachers in Nepal are reaping the benefits of learning modern training techniques. In a country where many towns and villages are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding, ROTA and Vodafone Qatar are helping to build the capacity of communities to withstand disaster through risk reduction and safe school standards.

indonesiaTeachers in Bayat, Indonesia, along with Indonesian Ministry of Education officials, are learning modern teaching skills through the Teacher Quality Improvement Initiative.The Qatar-Titian Scholarship Fund, sponsored by Vodafone Qatar, provides access to higher education for 200 disadvantaged students in the village of Bayat, which was devastated by an earthquake in 2006. In 2012, 46 students moved on to pursue further tertiary education, while others were offered well-paid jobs.

“our PartnerShiP haS contributeD DirectLy to the miSSion

of community Service aLLiance, anD heLPeD uS meet the neeDS of thoSe We Serve.” eSSa aL mannai,

executive Director, rota

i

QatarDuring 2012, over 650 students, 50 teachers and 400 families benefited from volunteer trips to Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, sponsored by ROTA and Vodafone Qatar. Student and adult volunteers experienced the true spirit of volunteerism, and fostered bonds across cultural boundaries, achieving a broader understanding and new respect for the educational and social needs of communities in Asia.In Qatar, ten ROTA Youth Service Clubs, designed to unlock the potential of the country’s youth, have been established. To date, more than 300 Youth Service Club members have taken part in Youth Service leadership training to develop skills needed to tackle community projects.

hoW ProgramS are heLPing

ROTA 02 | 2013 www.reachouttoasia.org

6 7 feeDbackLiStingS

february march

rota’s projects and initiatives inspire communities, teaching the skills and providing the resources for individuals to make a difference and make their voice heard. below is an insight into two projects from the viewpoint of those involved.

ggPS Dhero kabaL, PakiStanSupported by ROTA, the GGPS Dhero Kabal INSPIRE project phase-II school is located in a remote area of Pakistan, home to a strongly

conservative community. The school had a poor infrastructure after a period of militancy and new enrollment had fallen to zero. Following intervention and comprehensive teacher training, community engagement was undertaken along with rebuilding and securing the school’s water supply. Families were involved and convinced of the importance of female education through an active Parent Teacher Committee (PTC). Principal of GGPS Dhero Kabal, Mrs Shaheena explains: “Security was one of the major excuses of parents for not sending their girls to school but I am thankful to all PTC members, who with the support of the project, have made me a proud head of an institute where girls come not only get educated, but also love coming to.”In recognizing the benefits a closeness to nature can bring, a garden was established for the pupils. Aneela, a physically challenged student, says: “I love coming to school as I have friends here and my teacher tells me that

I can be a doctor and help other children to get better every day.”

community eDucation ProgramS in afghaniStanHamida is a ten-year-old student studying under the Community Based Education (CBE) system, which is operated in Khost, Ghazni, and Kapisa Provinces and is implemented by CARE International Afghanistan and ROTA. She explains how CBE allows her to pursue her dream of getting an education. Prior to studying under this scheme Hamida helped her family on their farm. She says: “I asked my mother to persuade my father to allow me to be enrolled in the class. At the beginning my father was reluctant to allow me go to school. Finally, my father agreed to our suggestion. I am thankful to my parents, teacher, and the project’s support, which has made a difference in my ability to stay enrolled and pursue my education beyond elementary grade.”

community voiceS

community impact Days

Decembernew bangladesh

project inauguration

Januaryvolunteer

orientation sessions

December aPrIL

ROTA’s 6th Youth Conference, for those aged between 16 and 26 years old, is a leading platform to equip youth with leadership qualities in Qatar. The conference, led by young people, aims to energize, mobilize, and inspire civic responsibility through a series of inspirational events in a conference setting.

emPoWer youth conference

MARK THESE IMPORTANT EVENTS IN YOUR DIARY AND VISIT WWW.REACHOUTTOASIA.ORGFOR FURTHER INFORMATION. RANGING FROM CElEBRATORY EVENTS TO INTERNATIONAlOCCASIONS AND VOlUNTEER TRIPS, THESE DATES HIGHlIGHT SOME OF THE IMPORTANTWORK UNDERTAKEN BY ROTA.

acting to heLP communitieS

n my current role as a ROTA International Program Specialist, I am responsible for the organization’s projects in lebanon

and Nepal. Being with ROTA since 2006, I have witnessed

the organization grow in terms of its capacity and the number of programs supported, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. ROTA is flexible enough to respond efficiently and acts with a high level of responsibility.

The role has really defined who I am because the pleasure derived from seeing an individual change and grow has stayed with me. I cannot give this up; I mean, I couldn’t just work in a bank, for instance.

One of our initial programs was to assist in a school reconstruction program in south lebanon, rebuilding 22 schools, and this was really a spring-board start for ROTA’s development in terms of structure and strategy.

The role of International Program Specialist devel-oped from these first projects. We are constantly mak-ing assessments of the current situation, identifying who the key program stakeholders are, and deciding which organizations ROTA should be working with. We assess strategy, follow-up and evaluate programs to find the niche ROTA should fill in a country.

No two days are the same. Some are spent in the office but others are in the field, meeting those put-ting plans into action, and some of the individuals and communities being supported.

Our largest project in lebanon is at the Nahr El-Bared Palestinian refugee camp, where ROTA oper-ates through a local partner. An after-school support scheme gives pupils the facilities to complete their homework. Many are living in cramped conditions and simply do not have the space to study.

rania abou moSLeh, ROTA INTERNATIONAl PROGRAM SPECIAlIST, TAlKS ABOUT HER ROlE IN NEPAl AND lEBANON.

i A second program element gives vocational training to 18-year-olds who have previously dropped out of school. By giving them a skill, they are more able to support themselves. Thirdly, there’s a sport education component in which coaches are trained so kids get to play sports, learn leadership skills, and are encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle.

There are so many success stories but one that really stays with me is of a ROTA assisted program in Nepal which helped bonded labor children. A

girl was sponsored by ROTA, with the support of Vodafone Qatar, through Action in Nepal, to get an education. She undertook specialist vocational training to become a nurse. After much persever-ance she opened her own health clinic and is not only supporting her family but her local communi-ty through the provision of healthcare. We still get regular updates on the work her clinic is doing. It’s impossible not to be touched by the difference ROTA supported projects make.

the roLe haS reaLLy DefineD

Who i am becauSe the PLeaSure DeriveD from Seeing an inDiviDuaL change anD groW haS StayeD With me.”

A series of workshops introducing participants to the aims and goals of iEARN and its ROTA-led projects in Qatar. The workshops will provide teachers with the skills to implement iEARN projects in their classrooms, aiding their students’ online collaboration via the global iEARN youth network.

iearn Qatar WorkShoPS

new SWat Pakistan project

inauguration

february

ROTA’s Annual Family Fun Day is designed to help promote the benefits of enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Participants are invited to get involved by cycling, skating, jogging, walking, or wheeling at Museum of Islamic Art Park on 7 February, 2013, helping to raise funds for ROTA while doing so. Interactive events and displays by celebrities, entertainers, and sports stars provide interest to the whole family.

WheeLS ‘n’ heeLS

روتا حول العالم8

emPoWering ProjectScentral to rota’s mission is a vision of a world in which individuals - particularly young people - are empowered to realize their full potential through the ability to shape the development of their own communities. in Qatar, rota engages individuals, especially the youth community, in addressing educational and development challenges both at home and abroad. the recent activities shown below emphasize this commitment.

The home of a disadvantaged family in Al Shamal received a makeover thanks to ROTA’s Ramadan 2013 Project, sponsored by Oxy Qatar. During the three-day renovation in July, a team of ROTA volunteers carried out essential maintenance and repairs, painted, assembled, and installed new furniture to transform the house. ROTA collaborated with Qatar Foundation’s Facilities Management Directorate in the projects and received expertise from engineers, architects, and contractors.

Qatar

ROTA volunteers visited Nepal on 19 September, 2013, as part of Vodafone Qatar-sponsored ROTA project in the country to support the role of schools in disaster risk reduction. Twenty-four professionals from Qatar Foundation, Vodafone Qatar, and ROTA’s own Volunteer Database taught students, took part in team building activities, and got to know the local community and the environment in which they live.

nePaLزار متطوعو روتا دولة نيبال في 19 سبتمبر 2013، في إطار

مشروع روتا الذي ترعاه شركة فودافون قطر في نيبال لدعم دور المدارس في الحد من مخاطر الكوارث. فقد قام 24 متخصصًا من مؤسسة قطر، وفودافون قطر،

ومتطوعي روتا، بتعليم الطالب المشاركين في أنشطة تكوين الفرق، والتعرف على المجتمع المحلي والبيئة

التي يعيشون فيها.

قامت روتا في الشمال بترميم منزل أسرة محرومة وتجديده، في إطار مشروع روتا في رمضان 2013 برعاية شركة أوكسي قطر. وقد استمرت

أعمال الترميم على مدار ثالثة أيام، قام خاللها متطوعو روتا بأعمال الصيانة واإلصالحات، وعمليات الصبغ الالزمة، وتركيب أثاث جديد.

تعاونت روتا في هذا مع إدارة المرافق بمؤسسة قطر في المشروعات، مستفيدًة من خبرات المهندسين والمعماريين والمقاولين.

نيبال

قطر

ROTA successfully organized the 20th Annual iEARN International Conference and 17th Youth Summit at Qatar National Convention Centre in July 2013. Around 700 teachers, students, and specialists in information technology from 50 countries participated, sharing their knowledge and learning how technology is being used in education through an interactive program of events.

Qatar

نجحت روتا في تنظيم مؤتمر أي إيرن الدولي السنوي العشرين وقمة الشباب السابعة

عشر في مركز قطر الوطني للمؤتمرات في يوليو 2013، بحضور حوالي 700 مدرس وطالب ومتخصص في تكنولوجيا المعلومات من أكثر

من 50 بلدًا، لتبادل المعلومات وتعلم كيفية استخدام التكنولوجيا في التعليم من خالل

مجموعة من الفعاليات.

قطر

rota arounD the WorLD8

ROTA 02 | 2013

مشروعات التمكينترتكز رسالة مؤسسة أيادي الخير نحو آسيا »روتا« على رؤية لعالم يتمكن فيه

األفراد، وبخاصة الشباب، من إطالق كامل قدراتهم من خالل القدرة على تشكيل مجتمعاتهم وتطويرها. في دولة قطر، ُتشرك روتا األفراد، وخاصة الشباب منهم،

في التصدي للتحديات التعليمية والتنموية في الداخل والخارج على حد سواء، وتؤكد األنشطة التالية هذا االلتزام.

روتا 02 | 2013