Her Highness Sheikha Moza launches QFI partnership with Columbia University
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser launched a research project carried out by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in partnership with QFI to study the mental health and psychosocial well-being of Arabic-speaking adolescent immigrants in the United States on April 24. The study focuses on Arab immigrants between the ages of 13-17-years-old who came from conflict-affected countries and addresses how potential mental health issues and a lack of psychological support has impacted their return to education systems. The 12-month study aims to assess the mental health needs and the refugees’ transition into host communities.
Read more about the study here.
UN #Youth72
QFI sent a delegation to the Youth Dialogue at the United Nations in New York, NY. Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani delivered an opening address outlining the efforts of QF in providing education opportunities to younger generations. The one-day event sought to highlight the ideas, concerns, and needs of young people in the realm of education, employment, and the prevention of radicalization among youth.
We are so proud of the QFI alumni that participated in the event, including Fahad Al Nahdi, Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Noora Al Juridi, Tim Hursen, Wai Chum, and Coumba Gueye.
Click here for a feature written by our Executive Director, Maggie Mitchell Salem.
Click here to learn more about the event.
Global Icon Award
Our Executive Director, Maggie Mitchell Salem, was presented the Global Icon Award by the Global Language Project on May 3, 2018. The award honored her commitment to, and impact on, providing high quality Arabic language opportunities for teachers and students, as well as for the success QFI has had under her leadership in providing more trained and certified Arabic language instructors in the United States.
Read more about the Global Language Project here.
How Would You Like Your Tea?
Besides water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. In the Arab world, Morocco consumes the most tea per capita, closely followed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Tea-drinking is a common social ritual, and tea is commonly served to guests when they visit someone’s home. Customs surrounding how tea is prepared and served largely depend on the region, and the exact recipe for preparation varies depending on family preference. Check out some of the Arab world’s famous teas, and even try to make one yourself!
Download this poster and more here!
Arabic Language and Communication Skills in the 21st Century: American University of Beirut, May 2018
We teamed up with Qatar Foundation, the Arabic and Near Eastern Languages Department, and the Department of Education at the American University of Beirut (AUB) on May 13-14 to hold a forum titled “Arabic Language and Communication Skills in the 21st Century: Perspectives and Approaches.” The forum aimed to provide educators ways to include communication skills in Arabic language curricula taught as a first and second language.
The forum opened with a session led by AUB Professor, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Batal, followed by Dr. Anies al Hroub, Chairperson of the AUB Department of Education, as well as Maggie Mitchell Salem, Executive Director of QFI. Participants included lecturers who teach Arabic as a first and second language at the university, secondary, and primary school levels in a number of countries.
#Empower18
In March, our YALLAH Commit to Action students met in Doha, Qatar to participate in the 10th Annual Empower Conference organized by Reach Out To Asia (ROTA). After working together virtually for 12 weeks, the students presented their service-learning projects during workshops at #Empower18. The students from the U.S. and Qatar explored the culture of Qatar by visiting Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), and the new Qatar National Library. Qatar Foundation International's YALLAH C2A program trains, mentors, empowers and supports an international cohort of young change-makers, to collaborate and complete service projects that work towards achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
See more photos from the conference here
Teacher Opportunities
We are pleased to offer professional development grants for K-12 educators in the social sciences/humanities and arts fields to participate in professional development events that will enhance his/her ability to teach about the Arab world or Arab culture. Current opportunities include Teacher Professional Development Grants the QFI and MEOC Educator Book Grant Program. Please visit our website for any questions regarding applications or programs.
Click here to learn about teacher opportunities
MEOC Book Awards
The MEOC Book Awards are run by the Middle East Outreach Council and honor books written about the Middle East. Our Arabic Culture program provides grants for teachers to receive books that have been honored by MEOC for their classrooms.
Click here for information on the MEOC book awards
Qatar and Oman Educator Tour—Winter 2018
We are fully funding a cultural immersion trip for up to fifteen K-12 educators to Qatar and Oman in partnership with Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) from December 23, 2018 through January 3, 2019. Educators will explore the city of Doha, Qatar and enjoy the landscapes and history of Muscat, Oman. In-country guides will provide historical and cultural insights into both countries while evening group sessions will facilitate curriculum connections and discussion. All of the spots for this tour have been filled, but stay tuned for updates and more opportunities!
Recognizing Excellence in Arabic
Launched in October of 2017, the Arabic Honor Society was created to recognize top-performing high school students studying the Arabic language and Arab culture. The Arabic Honor Society has been established in 36 schools, with over 200 members across 24 chapters. AHS offers exclusive awards that support summer study, study abroad, and college tuition while also providing information about higher education opportunities to continue Arabic study past the secondary level. Teachers and AHS chapter leaders are given guidance on how to better organize events, and drive student leadership and participation. Through these activities, AHS provides students with opportunities to engage their community in fun and meaningful ways. Interested in creating or joining a chapter? Please visit arabichonorsociety.com
QFI's First Poster Contest!
Podcasts
Check out the podcasts we've supported in 2018!
Launching The Arabic Honor Society
Teacher Travel Programs: A Trip to Qatar.....and more
What Teachers Should Know
Festival Of Education
We participated in the 2018 Festival of Education from June 21-22 at Wellington College in the UK. This year, attendees learned more about QFI programming in the UK – along with our partner British Council, met with Natakallam Conversation Partners, and learned how to write their names in Arabic with our Wheel of Letters, Madar Al-Huruf.
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