Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE), in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, hosted a Hackathon event aimed at nurturing innovation, creativity, and critical thinking among students. The event, a collaboration with Studio 5, saw 18 students from Qatar Academy Sidra and Academyati, both part of QF’s PUE, present projects exploring the future of humanity and human behaviour in the age of rapid technological change.
The projects showcased during the Hackathon centred on how technological advancements can influence human values and the evolution of education, reflecting the theme of the WISE 12 summit, ‘Humanity.io: Humanity in the Age of Technology’. Two Academyati teams, “Nabd” and “Keep Close,” emerged as top contenders, with “Nabd” securing first place and both teams invited to present their work at the WISE 12 summit.
A Platform for Creative Thinking
Sara al-Hajri, Director of Student Affairs and Community Engagement at QF’s Pre-University Education, highlighted the Hackathon’s role in fulfilling QF’s vision of integrating education with community involvement. She explained that the event offered students a chance to engage with real-world issues, fostering a creative space where they could explore ideas that shape both their present and future.
Al-Hajri emphasised the significance of maintaining a balance between technological progress and human values, stating, “We believe that technology should serve humanity not the other way around. Education is the platform that enables future generations to use innovation while preserving these core values.”
Empowering Students with Real-World Skills
Al-Hajri also underscored the importance of experiential learning in shaping students’ skills. By participating in events like the Hackathon, students not only gained hands-on experience in innovation and teamwork but also strengthened their ability to think critically and creatively. “Experiences like these open new opportunities for applying knowledge in real-life contexts and instil confidence in students to transform their ideas into solutions that benefit society,” she said.
The Hackathon’s format aligns closely with QF’s Pre-University Education vision, which focuses on placing people and values at the heart of learning. It also equips students with the tools to become active contributors in a society driven by technological change.
Building Digital Competencies for the Future
Nouf Abdulaziz al-Haddad, Head of Digital Competencies at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Project Manager of Studio 5, reflected on the broader impact of the initiative. She noted that the collaboration between QF and the Ministry contributed to the achievement of Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 objectives. Through such initiatives, the Ministry is committed to nurturing national talent and providing access to cutting-edge training programmes, thus preparing students with the skills and technologies needed to drive future innovation.
Al-Haddad pointed out that events like the Hackathon play a crucial role in equipping students with the digital skills required to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape, helping them make meaningful contributions to society.
As Qatar continues to invest in education and digital competencies, initiatives like the Hackathon provide a glimpse into the future of learning, where technology and human values are intricately woven together to empower the next generation.
For more on how Qatar Foundation is shaping the future of education, explore Qatar Foundation launches ‘Heart to Heart’ series.
