Doha, 9 September 2020: Vodafone Qatar and Huawei have joined hands to mark the “International Day to Protect Education from Attack” by supporting Education Above All (EAA) in their vital work, ensuring that the right to education is protected, especially for the most marginalised children and youth.
The United Nations (UN) newly proclaimed 9 September as the “International Day to Protect Education from Attack”, responding to the successful resolution called for by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All and UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate. The UN also called on its member states, the private sector and civil society to observe and support the International Day.
In addition to highlighting the day on their social media platforms, Vodafone Qatar and Huawei donated 1000 Mi-Fis powered by the Vodafone GigaNet network, which will go towards helping pupils of the local Assalam Schools with their education. The devices will give the financially disadvantaged pupils the ability to access online educational resources and ensure they can continue their schoolwork even outside the classroom.
Vodafone Qatar’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Al-Thani, said: “This International Day reaffirms the importance of doing more to uphold the right to access education and enable secure learning environments for all. In keeping with this intent, and the “Inclusion for All” pillar of our Company mission, Vodafone affirms its commitment to contribute to the efforts of EAA. Combining our efforts with those of Huawei ensures that the very latest in tech resources reach the Assalam pupils to assure them of quality educational opportunities.”
Commenting on the joint initiative, Huawei’s Gulf North Chief Executive Officer Mr. Zhaoliang, said: “Technology has a significant role to play in keeping students connected, and Huawei is keen to ensure that educational institutions have strong connectivity solutions, while students have the means to study online. Through our partnership with Vodafone Qatar, we can contribute to enabling a better learning environment for students impacted by conflict and disruptions in this part of the globe. Huawei has long appreciated the role of young people in contributing to a more intelligent, connected world and will spare no efforts in providing access to education for all young generations in Qatar and all over the region”.
Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Chief Executive Officer, EAA, said: “We extend our appreciation to Vodafone Qatar and Huawei for connecting our students with technology that will help them aspire to a better future through education. Even beyond the present disruptions caused by COVID-19, the International Day is a timely reminder of the ongoing need to increase and extend educational support to vulnerable learners, to be able to fully realise their right to education.”
The two Assalam Schools were established in 2019 through a partnership between EAA, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, to ensure all out of school and at-risk children in Qatar have equitable access to quality education by providing both financial support and capacity building as well as facilitating the establishment of alternative education institutions. Working in collaboration with the Pakistan Welfare Forum and the Palestinian School Management respectively, the First and Second Assalam Schools provide education to English-speaking and Arabic-speaking students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In June, Vodafone Qatar announced a new partnership with EAA to support the Foundation's ongoing efforts to provide quality and relevant access to education for out of school children and youth through its Together “Sawiyan” programme.
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About Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C
Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C. ("Vodafone Qatar") provides a comprehensive range of services including voice, messaging, data, fixed communications, IoT and ICT managed services in the State of Qatar, for both consumers and businesses alike. The Company commenced commercial operations in 2009 and has 1.65 million mobile customers as of 30 June 2020. Its state-of-the-art network infrastructure is expanding to cover key locations in the country with fibre connectivity and 5G, along with an extensive digital ecosystem, which will contribute to Qatar's continued growth and prosperity. Vodafone Qatar’s vision is deeply rooted in its mission to connect today’s ideas with the technologies of tomorrow by pioneering digital innovation and becoming people’s first choice in telecom and digital services. Please visit www.vodafone.qa for more details.
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Lana Khachan
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