Qatar University's Early Childhood Center Celebrates Universal Children's Day

Doha, November 21 (QNA) -Qatar University's Early Childhood Center (ECC) , an offshoot of the College of Education (CED) organized here on Wednesday its 7th International Childhood Festival in commemoration of the annual Universal Children's Day established by the United Nations in 1954 to celebrate brotherhood and understanding among children worldwide. CED Associate Dean and ECC's general supervisor Dr Fatima Al-Maadadi said this year's celebration theme is "Let's Play and Learn". The Festival was designed to celebrate children's open and imaginative thinking processes and to promote development of their creative cultural , artistis and social skills and interest in scientific exploration, discovery and innovation. Commenting on the event, Dr Fatima Al-Maadadi said: "This annual Festival is the College of Education's way of articulating its commitment to preparing the youngest members of our society to contribute towards fulfilling the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. In line with this commitment and the Festival's theme, the Early Childhood Center is the appropriate medium through which we can engage children in understanding their place in society, in expressing their views and developing self-esteem, creativity, and analytical thinking. We also encourage their interaction with peers in an environment of sharing, communicating, fun and entertainment," she said. Several kindergartens and schools participated in the celebration including Al-Rashad kindergarten Independent for Boys, Al-Sama private kindergartern, Oofaz world Babysitting and the Early Childhood Center. The event was also an opportunity for the Center to strengthen partnerships in line with its mission to be a leader in childhood development in Qatar. Children from ECC played host to their colleagues from a number of kindergartens and children s institutions. (QNA)