Imagine a school where the heartbeat of education resonates with the laughter and support of families. At Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA) – one of the schools under Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education – this vision is a reality, evident in its recent recognition with three prestigious awards from the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS).

This distinction not only recognizes QLA's accomplishments, but also demonstrates its compatibility with Qatar's 2030 Vision, which highlights the importance of strong families as the foundation of a thriving society.

The winning initiative, "My Family Shapes My Identity", is central to this strategy, emphasizing the family as the core of the social system while also attempting to impart Islamic values and honor rich family heritage.

“Such moments fill us with immense pride, highlighting the collective effort needed for excellence in our boarding school. At QLA, we believe education extends beyond textbooks and exams; it nurtures well-rounded individuals who are connected to their families, communities, and the world,” said Mr. Jameel Al-Shammari, QLA’s director.

QLA sparks community discussions about family's role in the development of society through engaging activities like the Family Heritage Festival and awareness campaigns that not only educate but also foster a deep sense of belonging and unity among families.

“When students know they are supported by their families and schools, they are more capable of succeeding in all areas of life. Education should be a journey that students, their families, and their teachers embark on together.” Adds Mr Al-Shammari.

Fahd Al-Hajri, a student at QLA, embodies the spirit of these initiatives through his winning innovative project that uses motion graphics to explore Qatari values and the importance of direct communication within families.

“I chose motion graphics as a means to convey my message on families because this art form simplifies complex ideas in an engaging and understandable way,” explained Al-Hajri.

His work, “A Cohesive Qatari Family”, serves as a powerful reminder that today’s youth are not only the future but also essential bridge-builders between generations, preserving cultural heritage.

He added, "Families are more than just individuals living together under the same roof. When we strengthen bonds and provide emotional support to each other, we help create a conscious generation ready to face life's challenges with resilience and confidence."

Mr. Mohammed Al-Dosari, an inspiring Islamic studies teacher at QLA, leads an initiative called “My Family, My Strength”, designed to create a supportive environment that enrich students' leadership qualities and strengthens familial ties.

Mr. Al-Dosari, one of the award winners, said: "This achievement, which I value greatly, is not just the result of our hard work but also a recognition of the real value of the goals I pursued with QLA. I started this initiative because I truly believe in the importance of family."

His dedication to the year-long initiative highlights the importance of preserving Qatari culture in building stable families. Al-Dosari’s initiative illustrates that education extends beyond the classroom and is deeply rooted in the home where values are nurtured and shared.

His initiatives include cultural competitions, lectures, and engaging school theater performances to foster closer family connections.

“My Family, My Strength will be just the beginning of bigger ambitions. I will work to expand this initiative and deepen its impact by developing new programs within QLA that empower and support families,” added Al-Dosari.

As we approach the DIFI conference, which celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family, the significance of QLA's achievements becomes even clearer. The conference, centered on "Family and Contemporary Megatrends," aligns with QLA's mission to emphasize the importance of family in contemporary society.

" Family is at the heart of every society, nurturing unity and resilience and paving the path to stability and well-being, especially in life’s toughest moments,” said Dr. Khalid Al-Naama, Director of Family Research and Policy at DIFI.

According to Dr. Khalid, the quality of education is fully realized when it integrates moral values and knowledge to shape an individual's identity. He added, “The lack of family values and virtues in education can erase identity and create a materialistic view that is disconnected from genuine Arab traditions and family structures.”

Through their heartfelt commitment to family values and innovative projects, QLA stands out as a guiding example for educational institutions, not only in Qatar but around the world. QLA’s initiatives proves that the connections we nurture within our families form the very heart of a thriving community.