Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s annual Mukhayamna Summer Programme is equipping young people with future-ready skills by introducing them to emerging fields such as quantum computing, coding, business and leadership, while combining these with sports, arts and creative activities to foster well-rounded personal development.
The programme, organised by Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, seeks to inspire and empower participants through experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom, said Co-Curriculum Activity Specialist at Qatar Foundation, Noof Al-Taweel.
“The main objective of this year’s Mukhayamna Programme is to inspire and empower young people through a diverse range of enriching experiences that support their personal growth and development,” Al-Taweel told The Peninsula.
“We aim to provide a dynamic environment where participants can explore their talents, strengthen key life skills, and engage in meaningful learning beyond the classroom.”
The Mukhayamna camp is an annual platform designed to empower students beyond the traditional classroom setting. It offers programmes focusing on sports, sustainability, arts, music and leadership, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and community engagement.
This year’s programme also introduces participants to rapidly evolving disciplines, reflecting the growing importance of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Explaining the choice of subjects such as quantum computing, coding, business and leadership, Al-Taweel said the aim was to expose young people to opportunities they might not ordinarily encounter at school or at home.
“Today’s world is changing very quickly, and skills such as technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership are becoming increasingly important,” she said.
“Introducing topics like quantum computing and coding isn’t about expecting children to become experts in a few days; it’s about sparking their curiosity and helping them realise that these fields are accessible and exciting.”
She added that future-focused learning is deliberately complemented by sports, creative activities and teamwork to ensure participants develop into well-rounded individuals.
Co-Curriculum Activity Specialist at Qatar Foundation, Noof Al-Taweel
A key feature of Mukhayamna is its integration of academic learning with recreational activities, enabling participants to learn through engaging, hands-on experiences rather than traditional classroom instruction.
“Children learn best when they’re engaged and enjoy themselves. That’s why we don’t separate learning from fun,” Al-Taweel said.
“A participant might spend part of the day exploring a STEM activity and later be playing sport, taking part in a creative workshop, or working with friends on a challenge.”
She noted that this variety helps cultivate critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, resilience and communication skills while keeping participants motivated throughout the programme.
Beyond the activities themselves, Al-Taweel said the programme’s long-term impact is reflected in the feedback received from families after each edition.
“Many tell us that their children come home more confident, more independent, and excited to continue learning,” she said. “Some discover completely new interests that they later pursue during the school year, while others build friendships that continue long after the camp has finished.”
“For us, those lasting changes are the biggest measure of success, because they show that the experience continues to have an impact well beyond the summer.”
Looking ahead, she said the programme aims to equip participants not only with knowledge in areas such as STEM, business, sports, leadership, culture and the arts, but also with lifelong skills that will benefit them in education and beyond.
“We hope participants leave Mukhayamna with valuable knowledge and practical skills gained through their chosen programmes,” Al-Taweel said.
“More importantly, we hope they develop lifelong skills such as confidence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience and a growth mindset.”
She added that the programme’s ultimate goal is for participants to apply what they learn in their everyday lives and future aspirations.
“If they leave the programme feeling empowered to make a positive impact in their communities and more confident in their ability to achieve their goals, then we have successfully achieved our mission,” Al-Taweel said.
