GE volunteers partner with Qatar Green Center on My School, My Farm project for a greener environment

GE Volunteers Qatar have partnered with the Qatar Green Center, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Environment, to support a greener environment through the new project, ’My School, My Farm,’ which started in December 2011 and is set to conclude in April 2012.

’My School, My Farm’ aims to strengthen awareness on the need to inculcate homestead farming and other easy-to-apply agricultural practices among the students. GE Volunteers collaborates with 12 schools in Qatar, working with students from primary to secondary levels for the project.

Zaid Khayyat of GE Volunteers said: “GE Volunteers is committed to partnering in initiatives that bring about a tangible and long-term benefit to the communities we serve in. ‘My School, My Farm’ is a unique initiative that not only helps promote the concept of self-reliance but also respect for environment. We are honored to work with the Ministry of Environment on the project through the Qatar Green Center.”

Activities of ’My School, My Farm’ included training visits for the volunteers at the Al Otouria Agriculture Research Station ensuring that the students are provided with solid guidance on agricultural skills including soil types and how to use fertilizers. The volunteers were also trained by specialized Qatar Green Center agricultural engineers on how to take care of the crops as well as their harvesting.  The team visited the schools periodically during the four months of the project which will conclude with an awards ceremony, where the participating students will be honored.

’My School, My Farm’ project is organized under the auspices of the Qatar Green Center, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Environment. The project was also showcased at the 3rd Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition where some of the harvested crops were displayed and the participants highlighted the distinct role of the students who worked on the project.

GE coordinates volunteer efforts company-wide by keeping a close eye on societal needs and inviting all employees to build stronger communities where the company serves in. GE’s employees volunteer over 1 million hours of community service every year. During Global Community Days, the staff members coordinate their efforts company-wide to address urgent projects around the world.