Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), which is a part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), has launched its 2019 Student Outreach Programme with a visit from students of Arab International Academy.
The programme is part of QEERI’s mission to inspire an interest in science and research among the nation’s younger generation and to educate them about energy, technology, water security, environment and sustainability in Qatar. The 42 students visited four activity stations that represent the research work done at QEERI which tackles challenges related to Qatar’s grand challenges.
The outreach programme aims to educate school students on the uses and benefits of green innovations and emphasises the growing need to use renewable sources of energy while underlining the children’s role in protecting the environment. The activities also helped students gain a better understanding of the air quality in Qatar and the process of desalination.
Dr Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director of QEERI, said:
At QEERI, we truly believe in the power of education. The best way to bring about a change in mindset is to educate children. They will carry these lessons home to their families, and into the future.’
At the various stations across QEERI students and teachers could witness how research is done in energy, water, environment and sustainability, and how it impacts their everyday life.
Grade 4 student Mariam El Masry said:
The visit was a fun way to learn about how we use energy, and what we as children and adults can do to save the planet. I learnt about how solar power is green energy that is not harmful to the planet, and that we can also use solar energy at night by saving it in batteries.’
Her fellow student Kareem Tamer Almmisahal added:
‘The scientists explained how they send a big balloon into the air to measure humidity and air quality; that was cool.’
The Student Outreach Programme is open to all school students in Qatar. Please email [email protected] to schedule a visit to QEERI or for more information, visit hbku.edu.qa.