Omnia Nour

IN THE NEWS

Reach Out To Asia, Universities set to sign partnership agreement

• MoU to provide impetus to Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network
• Ensures quality educational resources for educators and students
• Reflects ROTA's commitment to community service and education

Doha , QATAR, 13 December, 2007 - Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) has announced that it will shortly enter into a landmark partnership with universities at Qatar Foundation's 2,500-acre Education City campus in Doha. The five universities housed at Education City will be signing the MoU.
The MoU will provide vital impetus to the Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network, which is aimed at providing quality educational resources and opportunities for students and educators Qatar, the Middle East, and Asia.
The partnership will pave the way for educators and students within the high-profile Education City, to collaborate with ROTA's schools and other higher education institutions in Asia through a web-based portal. Activities through the portal will enable universities at Education City, other higher education institutions and schools to share projects and curricula, besides partaking in collaborative projects and creating an authentic partnership between students, teachers and faculty members.
Commenting on the MoU, Omnia Nour, Director of ROTA, said: "We are privileged to have these universities' branch campuses as  partners in our Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network, and we are confident that this MoU will be of great benefit to ROTA and the march forward on our ROTAsia program. This partnership will go a long way in information and resource-sharing and will contribute towards the sustainability of our projects. It is a large-scale project and is being supported by world-class universities. The goal is to enable our project schools to work with other institutions so they are constantly in touch and up-to-date."
Omnia added: "ROTA looks forward to further augment this partnership and it is a wonderful opportunity to expand access to more educational opportunities across Asia, which is our primary objective. The agreement is yet another testimony of ROTA's commitment to community service and education for all across Asia, helping us build bridges across cultures and a better future for all."
The MoU was signed by ROTA's Director, Omnia Nour; Dr Chuck Thorpe, Dean of The Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMUQ); Dr Jim Reardon Anderson, Dean of Georgetown University Qatar (GUQ); Dr Mark Weichold, Dean of Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ); Allyson Vanstone, Dean of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ); and Dr Daniel Alonso, Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMCQ).
The MoU is also supported by ictQATAR, the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology in Qatar. ROTA had recently signed a partnership agreement with ictQataron Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network.
Formed under the Qatar Foundation umbrella, ROTA is a Qatari non-governmental organization. For further details about ROTA or the Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network, please send an email to rota@qf.org.qa, or phone +974 480 0296.
Supported by abundant residential and recreational facilities, Education City is envisioned as a community of institutions that serve the whole citizen, from early childhood education to post-graduate study. Moreover, Education City is envisioned as a hub for the generation of new knowledge -- a place that provides researchers with world-class facilities, a pool of well-trained graduates, the chance to collaborate with likeminded people and the opportunity to transfer ideas into real-world applications

Omnia Nour

IN THE NEWS

Reach Out To Asia, Universities set to sign partnership agreement

• MoU to provide impetus to Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network
• Ensures quality educational resources for educators and students
• Reflects ROTA's commitment to community service and education

Doha , QATAR, 13 December, 2007 - Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) has announced that it will shortly enter into a landmark partnership with universities at Qatar Foundation's 2,500-acre Education City campus in Doha. The five universities housed at Education City will be signing the MoU.
The MoU will provide vital impetus to the Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network, which is aimed at providing quality educational resources and opportunities for students and educators Qatar, the Middle East, and Asia.
The partnership will pave the way for educators and students within the high-profile Education City, to collaborate with ROTA's schools and other higher education institutions in Asia through a web-based portal. Activities through the portal will enable universities at Education City, other higher education institutions and schools to share projects and curricula, besides partaking in collaborative projects and creating an authentic partnership between students, teachers and faculty members.
Commenting on the MoU, Omnia Nour, Director of ROTA, said: "We are privileged to have these universities' branch campuses as  partners in our Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network, and we are confident that this MoU will be of great benefit to ROTA and the march forward on our ROTAsia program. This partnership will go a long way in information and resource-sharing and will contribute towards the sustainability of our projects. It is a large-scale project and is being supported by world-class universities. The goal is to enable our project schools to work with other institutions so they are constantly in touch and up-to-date."
Omnia added: "ROTA looks forward to further augment this partnership and it is a wonderful opportunity to expand access to more educational opportunities across Asia, which is our primary objective. The agreement is yet another testimony of ROTA's commitment to community service and education for all across Asia, helping us build bridges across cultures and a better future for all."
The MoU was signed by ROTA's Director, Omnia Nour; Dr Chuck Thorpe, Dean of The Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMUQ); Dr Jim Reardon Anderson, Dean of Georgetown University Qatar (GUQ); Dr Mark Weichold, Dean of Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ); Allyson Vanstone, Dean of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ); and Dr Daniel Alonso, Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMCQ).
The MoU is also supported by ictQATAR, the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology in Qatar. ROTA had recently signed a partnership agreement with ictQataron Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network.
Formed under the Qatar Foundation umbrella, ROTA is a Qatari non-governmental organization. For further details about ROTA or the Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network, please send an email to rota@qf.org.qa, or phone +974 480 0296.
Supported by abundant residential and recreational facilities, Education City is envisioned as a community of institutions that serve the whole citizen, from early childhood education to post-graduate study. Moreover, Education City is envisioned as a hub for the generation of new knowledge -- a place that provides researchers with world-class facilities, a pool of well-trained graduates, the chance to collaborate with likeminded people and the opportunity to transfer ideas into real-world applications

Omnia Nour

IN THE NEWS

ROTA Organized Iftar with Dhreima Children

• 20 volunteers from ROTA and Jaidah Group took part in Iftar
• Anonymous donor sponsors the Iftar and spreads smiles

Doha, September 14, 2009: Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) called its volunteers back last week into a real moment of giving and sharing with Dhreima Qatar Orphan Foundation children a special Iftar event.
The Iftar, which was held at Qatar Foundation sponsored by an anonymous donor, and was attended by ROTA officials and volunteers from Jaidah Group, ROTA's Associate Partner. H.E. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, ROTA Board Member, Omnia Nour-ROTA ROTA Director, Mohamed Al Jaidah, , Al Jaidah group, Dana Al Ferdan and Dhreima officials, graced the event with their presence and along with the volunteers conducted creative workshops with the kids after the Iftar.
ROTA also invited local community children, and individual volunteers to share this special occasions with Dhreima children.
In her comments, Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, said: "At ROTA we are focusing our efforts on the children and youth across Asia, including the Middle East of course. Funds are allocated to educational projects in crisis-affected areas in Asia, but we always have Qatar in our minds and hearts, involving the community and giving back to our society through various local projects. Today's Iftar is only one example of the exciting and good work that ROTA is doing in Qatar.".
Omnia Nour added "Through our volunteers' commitment and passion we have really made a difference to the kids today. It was a memorable experience for them but also for us! I would like to thank all our donors and sponsors that help us fulfill our mission in and outside Qatar".
At the iftar ROTA organized many activities to engage the volunteers with Drheima kids including henna, face painting, and balloon making. At the same time, volunteers organized the setting for the Iftar, reflecting the spirit of giving during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Operating under the auspices of the Qatar Foundation, ROTA has established itself as a significant player in the realm of international humanitarian relief and development, and particularly in the field of education in crisis. ROTA is committed to engaging youth; providing equal access to safe, quality primary and secondary education; connecting communities and educators; increasing social and economic opportunities; advocating for the universal right to education; and reaching out to assist in rebuilding communities after human-made and natural disasters. In Qatar, ROTA works to engage young people and other community members in addressing educational and development challenges both at home and abroad

Omnia Nour

IN THE NEWS

ROTA organises Community Iftar for Elderly Institute

• 40 volunteers from ROTA and Al Jaidah Group serve Iftar meals
• Community initiative is part of ROTA's Ramadan Project

Doha, 27 August, 2009: Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) organized yesterday a community Iftar for the Qatari Institution for Elderly. The Iftar was part of a series of initiatives by ROTA and its supporting partners during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The special Iftar, organized with the support of Jaidah Group - ROTA's Associate Partner, was attended by nearly 30 elderly residents and employees of the Institution. Approximately 40 volunteers from ROTA and Jaidah Group participated in the initiative.
In her comments, H.E. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, Member of the Board of Directors at ROTA said: "The Holy Month of Ramadan reflects the spirit of sharing, caring and spreading goodwill. This Iftar meal for the Elderly highlights the importance of giving back to the community, the spirit of volunteerism and the satisfaction that one feels by helping others. Through these initiatives, ROTA aims to make a difference to the lives of the less fortunate people in Qatar I would like to congratulate ROTA and Jaidah Group for reflecting the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan."
The volunteer-driven community campaign communicates ROTA's commitment to the society and underlines the values and spirit of sharing during the Holy Month. The event gave the volunteers an opportunity to serve and dine with the elderly people and make them feel special.
The volunteer team for the Iftar event did all the preparations needed for the event; while the meals were offered by a donor who didn't want to mention his name
Talking about the Iftar initiative, Omnia Nour, Director of ROTA said: "The Iftar meal was one of our Community Impact Days during the month. It gave our volunteers the chance to give back to community and offered the residents at the Institution a different day! I would like to thank H.E. Sheikha Aisha and the
volunteers from ROTA and Jaidah Group for their and eagerness to help and I would also like to thank our donours for their generosity during the Holy Month."
Within the scope of the Ramadan Project, Reach Out To Asia has also packed and distributed groceries to nearly 100 families within the country. 50 volunteers were involved in packing the raw materials and they helped distributing them to less fortunate families
Designed to boost ROTA's humanitarian efforts with a view to extending a helping hand to less privileged families in Qatar, the Ramadan Project also includes Garangao celebration with children patients, House Renovations as well as more Iftar meals with other groups of our community.

Omnia Nour

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IN THE NEWS

ROTA's "Wheels 'n' Heels 2008" charity event a grand success

• 15,000 supporters take part in community fun day
• ROTA thanks sponsors, celebrities and volunteers

Doha, 10 February, 2008: "Wheels 'n' Heels 2008", the third community fun day organised on Friday by Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), was a runaway success. The event received a phenomenal level of support and participation from people of all walks of life in Qatar.
The charity event took place on February 1, 2008 in the Sheraton Park on the Doha Cornice and was graced by the presence of H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, H.E. Sheikha Sara Bint Hamad Al Thani and H.E. Sheikha Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani, who also participated by either walking or riding bicycles on 'The Circuit', which covered three kilometres.
An estimated 15,000 supporters, volunteers and participants were present at Wheels 'n' Heels 2008, the third in the series of annual events aimed at getting Doha's multinational communities outside and involved and raising awareness of a healthy lifestyle.
Organized in association with the Qatar Cycling Federation, Wheels 'n' Heels 2008 was triggered by the grand finale of the prestigious Tour of Qatar. In store on the day were a vast array of high-energy activities, interactive sports, fun games, staged entertainment and performances by renowned singers and dancers.
While the children enjoyed themselves by engaging in dancing classes from instructors in the specially designated Kids Zone, young and old alike, brought along skateboards, rollerblades, skates, scooters, bicycles and running shoes to make it a memorable day out with stunt cyclists and hip-street artists. The event also witnessed a live orchestra by ConocoPhillips.
Omnia Nour, Director of ROTA, said: "This third Wheels 'n' Heels community day was a great success, thanks mainly to the high-energy participation and support from the entire community. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to H.E. Sheikh Joan, H.E. Sheikha Mayassa, H.E. Sheikha Hind , Sheikha Sara and our board member Sheikha Aischa Al Thani . In addition to the celebrities and individuals for their generous support and participation. The sales of ROTA merchandise at the event also reflect the unprecedented level of involvement from people."
She added: "I would also like to thank Shell Qatar, our Platinum Sponsors, ConocoPhillips - our Gold Sponsors and Mannai Corporation, our Silver Sponsors, for their support and participation. This event would not have been such a success without their kind support."
Among the celebrities who graced the occasion were Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx, Dana Al Fardan, singers Ihab Tawfik, Raghda, Asalah, Angham, local TV personality Baba Linga, Basketball player Yassin Ismail, Footballers, Fabrício Eduardo Souza and Abdulaziz Al Anbari and Qatari sports icon Nada Zeidan.
A Lifestyle Village was also set up in the park to mark the event. The Village showcased myriad attractions for the entire family with side shows, demonstrations, corporate stands and bazaar-style stalls.
Reach Out To Asia envisage Wheels 'n' Heels 2009 to be even bigger and more successful judging by success and popularity of this year's event.

Omnia Nour

IN THE NEWS

ROTA Organized Iftar with Dhreima Children

• 20 volunteers from ROTA and Jaidah Group took part in Iftar
• Anonymous donor sponsors the Iftar and spreads smiles

Doha, September 14, 2009: Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) called its volunteers back last week into a real moment of giving and sharing with Dhreima Qatar Orphan Foundation children a special Iftar event.
The Iftar, which was held at Qatar Foundation sponsored by an anonymous donor, and was attended by ROTA officials and volunteers from Jaidah Group, ROTA's Associate Partner. H.E. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, ROTA Board Member, Omnia Nour-ROTA ROTA Director, Mohamed Al Jaidah, , Al Jaidah group, Dana Al Ferdan and Dhreima officials, graced the event with their presence and along with the volunteers conducted creative workshops with the kids after the Iftar.
ROTA also invited local community children, and individual volunteers to share this special occasions with Dhreima children.
In her comments, Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, said: "At ROTA we are focusing our efforts on the children and youth across Asia, including the Middle East of course. Funds are allocated to educational projects in crisis-affected areas in Asia, but we always have Qatar in our minds and hearts, involving the community and giving back to our society through various local projects. Today's Iftar is only one example of the exciting and good work that ROTA is doing in Qatar.".
Omnia Nour added "Through our volunteers' commitment and passion we have really made a difference to the kids today. It was a memorable experience for them but also for us! I would like to thank all our donors and sponsors that help us fulfill our mission in and outside Qatar".
At the iftar ROTA organized many activities to engage the volunteers with Drheima kids including henna, face painting, and balloon making. At the same time, volunteers organized the setting for the Iftar, reflecting the spirit of giving during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Operating under the auspices of the Qatar Foundation, ROTA has established itself as a significant player in the realm of international humanitarian relief and development, and particularly in the field of education in crisis. ROTA is committed to engaging youth; providing equal access to safe, quality primary and secondary education; connecting communities and educators; increasing social and economic opportunities; advocating for the universal right to education; and reaching out to assist in rebuilding communities after human-made and natural disasters. In Qatar, ROTA works to engage young people and other community members in addressing educational and development challenges both at home and abroad

Omna Nour

Reach Out To Asia Signs Agreement with ictQATAR

• ICT to connect Middle East and Asian school communities

Doha, QATAR, 25th October, 2007 - Qatar based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) and a delegation from ictQATAR have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalizing plans for a partnership on the Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network.
The Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network will function by creating access to a web-based portal that will allow ROTA's schools and universities to be "twinned" with Qatari based schools and universities. The twinning will enable the schools to share projects and curriculum, partake in collaborative projects and create a partnership between students, teachers and faculty members. The objective is to increase educational opportunities, enhance existing education quality and bridge cultural divides throughout Asia including the Middle East.
The MoU will see ROTA benefit from the knowledge and expertise ictQATAR gained in developing the School Knowledge Network in conjunction with the Supreme Education Council. The School Knowledge Network, launched in 2006, allows teachers, students and parents from 12 independent schools in Qatar to connect online.
Omnia Nour, ROTA's director commented on the signing: "I would like to express ROTA's sincere thanks to ictQATAR. Their support, sharing of information and experience in such like projects will be of great benefit to ROTA and the development of the Connect ROTAsia program, in particular the Knowledge Network. We look forward to developing this partnership to the benefit of the mutual goals and are proud that with their help, we will together be working towards increasing the educational opportunities across Asia."
Dr Fakieh, ictQATAR's e-Education Program Manager, commented, "ictQATAR is looking forward to working alongside ROTA to enrich school communities in Qatar and around the globe by helping them to realize their full potential through information and communication technologies. We commend ROTA's vision which recognizes the role information and communication technology can play in advancing a knowledge-based society."
The signing was attended by representatives from ictQATAR: Peter Churchward - Executive Director of ICT Development Programmes, Peter Kruger - Executive Director of Planning and Institutional Relations, Dr Ghada Omar Fakieh - e-Education Program Manager, and Elaine Farah - Planning and Institutional Relations Specialist.
ROTA Director, Omnia Nour signed the MoU, and was supported by other ROTA staff members: Cherie Clark-Moore - Head of Connect ROTAsia, and Eve Benson - Head of Marketing & Communications.
For further information on the Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network or ROTA, send an email to rota@qf.org.qa.

ROTA Director, Omnia Nour and Executive Director of ICT Development Programmes, Peter Churchward shake hands after signing a MoU about the Connect ROTAsia Knowledge Network.