QF To Hold Fundraising Event For Palestinian Children

Qatar Foundation will be raising funds for Palestinian children at a special Education City event stemming from its 3D edutainment TV series Siraj. 
The event, titled ‘From Qatar to Palestine: Siraj Fundraiser for the Children of Palestine’, aims to support Palestine through a series of interactive activities designed to entertain and educate participants about the Palestinian cause. It will take place on Saturday, 16 December, at Multaqa (Education City Student Center), from 4-8pm.
At the event, donations can be made through purchasing activity vouchers from Qatar Charity, at the fundraising event. Tickets are priced at QAR10, and all proceeds generated from ticket sales will be donated to child relief in Gaza.
A short 2D animated film about Palestine, ‘Yassin’s Kite’, will also be premiered at the fundraising event. The film narrates the story of Yaseen, who sends a kite as a message of longing and solidarity to his homeland Palestine. The journey of the kite is depicted through various scenes, highlighting Palestinian culture, resilience, and the enduring spirit of its people. 
Besides the film screening, there will also be an interactive activity with the 3D animated character, Siraj, and the opportunity to meet Siraj’s mascots Rashid and Noura; engage in coloring sessions on Palestine-themed drawings; craft paper planes that bear messages of hope and solidarity for Palestine; and take photos with representations of Palestinian monuments. 
Shaikha Al-Zeyara, Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives at Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education, wrote the script for the film, and says: "As part of the Siraj team, we felt a strong responsibility to educate children about Palestine, and that inspired us to create a special film on the topic.
"Our goal is to deepen their understanding and awareness of Palestinian challenges in a child-friendly manner. The film is more than just a story; it's a bridge connecting young minds to Palestinian culture, sparking their curiosity and introducing them to values like pride, resilience, and solidarity, all while reinforcing the Arab Islamic identity.
"I crafted each scene with age-appropriate content, using simple language and supportive visuals. We simplified complex concepts about Palestinian culture and history using symbols like kites for hope and communication, and birds for freedom.”
Al-Zeyara emphasized the importance of balancing the reality of the situation in Palestine with the need to protect children from harsh realities.
“We consciously avoided shocking content, ensuring everything was suitable for the target audience of Siraj – which is young children,” she said. “It's undeniable that explaining complex situations to young people requires careful thought, tailoring it to their age in a way that enables deep understanding without impacting their mental well-being." 
Al-Zeyara expressed that the most significant challenge in discussing the Palestinian conflict with children is finding ways to simplify complex ideas without compromising the truth, and said: "Given the varying differences among children, we have to be extra cautious in what we present, especially when they are in front of a screen and expect a safe viewing experience.
“While numerous stories have been penned about Palestine, our simplified story is full of feelings that was written for Palestine and not just about it. And we hope that it will contribute to the growth of love for the Palestinian cause.
“Through our film, we aim to teach children vital lessons about hope, patience, trust in God, and the power of faith, particularly during tough times, in a way they can easily grasp. This includes understanding Palestinians' right to their land, empathizing with others' struggles, appreciating Arab culture, and recognizing the significance of sacred sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque.” 
Al-Zeyara explained that the short film corresponds with Siraj's aim of cultivating a passion for learning through characters like Noura and Rashid, highlighting the necessity of introducing children to the topic of Palestine at a young age. 
“As Siraj focuses on cultural and moral education, it is crucial to include content that helps children understand and remember the situation in Palestine,” she said. “We have a duty to support others, and this is reflected in our content.”