Georgetown University: School of Foreign Service in Qatar

Doha, Qatar — Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar wrapped up the first week of its two-week Planet Georgetown summer camp, titled “Partners in Peace”, on Thursday, July 2. Over 30 students going into grades eight through ten were selected from independent schools throughout Qatar to participate in the summer program aimed at promoting a culture of peace among local youth.

“Planet Georgetown: Partners in Peace is our way of engaging students in discussions about conflicts and ways we can peacefully solve them. The students have had a chance to participate in simulations, games, art projects, and debates, and have impressed us with their enthusiasm and participation,” said Emily Wilson, Planet Georgetown Program Coordinator.

In keeping with the SFS-Qatar’s tradition of international relations education, each day focused on a different country and its history of conflict resolution. Students were taken on virtual explorations of Chile, South Africa, Ireland, Rwanda and China through a mix of hands-on exercises incorporating geography and language lessons with creative writing, simulations, art projects, sports, and other activities designed by SFS-Qatar undergraduates, staff and faculty. During the second half of the program, students will expand on their investigative skills as they work in teams to research and develop creative nonviolent solutions to current international conflicts.

“After learning about the different countries, different problems, I feel more empowered to change the world,” said tenth-grade student Sakilah Melchishua from Qatar Educational Complex for Girls.

Sponsored by the Office of Educational Enrichment, an outreach division of SFS-Qatar, the Planet Georgetown program was launched in 2008 in an effort to expand the range and scope of engagement with the local community.

“Planet Georgetown gives these students an early taste of the Georgetown college experience and I think they have fun in the process,” said Georgetown student Bady Abou-Jaoude.
For many students, including Ghadeer Haji from Moza Bint Mohammed Preparatory Independent School for Girls, this is their second year participating in the Planet Georgetown program. “I like coming to camp at Georgetown because I like learning about other countries and working in teams,” said Haji.

Younger students will also have an opportunity to participate in Planet Georgetown’s international-themed programming. “I Love My Planet,” the second camp in the Planet Georgetown series, will run from 19 to 30 July for students going into grades six and seven. The camp will focus on efforts different countries are making to address poverty and environmental concerns and give students a chance to create their own imaginary nations and governments – complete with unique native languages, cultures and currencies.

Limited spaces for independent school students remain for “I Love My Planet”. For more information, please contact Program Coordinator Emily Wilson at sfsqenrichment@georgetown.edu