Event hosted for children who are affected by long-term illnesses

A day-long event was held by the Doha Hub of the Global Shapers Community and featured a day of activities for children who are affected by cancer and other long-term illnesses. The event gathered around 30 children between the ages of five and ten, along with their parents. It reflected the belief that all young people should be able to experience happiness and joy. The event saw children taking part in a wide range of activities which included an art workshop, a live magic show and board games.

Global Shapers’ event lifts spirits of ailing children

The Doha Hub of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, recently hosted a day-long event of activities for children affected by cancer and other long-term illnesses, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
The event, which gathered close to 30 children aged between five and 10 years, along with their parents, reflected the belief that all young people should be able to experience happiness and joy, according to a statement.
During the event, children took part in a wide range of activities, which included an art workshop, a live magic show as well as board games.
The variety of activities offered resulted from partnerships with Children’s Way, a kids’ entertainment, party and event planning specialist, Event Developers and students from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar.
Hira Ahmed, curator at the Doha Hub of the Global Shapers Community, said: “Global Shapers are committed to improving the state of the world and believe this can be achieved by addressing challenges and opportunities within their own communities. Since the hub’s inception in 2011 by HE Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani, founding curator and ongoing adviser, we have collaborated on different activities contributing to education and economic development throughout society. Spending time with these children has not only been a rewarding experience, but an inspiration to continue our efforts.”
Ali Abdulla al-Khater, executive director of the Corporate Communications Department at HMC, said: “Improving the health and well-being of children and putting a smile on their faces is one of the most meaningful ways of contributing to our world.”
With more than 5,300 Shapers engaged across 416 hubs, the Global Shapers Community works toward tangible impact and lasting change in communities around the globe, the statement added. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal recently, Shapers across the world mobilised to raise the funds that would facilitate reconstruction and development.
The Doha hub last year organised Shape Mena 2014, a conference gathering more than 100 Shapers from across the region to discuss both economic growth and job creation in the Middle East and North Africa.