In 2018, Qatar granted me a life-changing opportunity—a full scholarship to pursue a Master of Public Policy. This degree shaped my understanding of sustainable development, governance, and policy-making, equipping me with the knowledge to advocate for climate action, disaster risk reduction, and youth empowerment.

Through my journey with the Teach For Qatar fellowship, I embraced the mindset of a change leader. I realized that real impact begins in classrooms, where we shape the next generation. If we want a sustainable future, we must equip students with the tools to build it.

That's why I launched STEAMathon Qatar in October 2020. What started as a small initiative in one school to integrate STEAM education with sustainability and entrepreneurship has evolved into a national movement, engaging over 10,000 students and 65 schools, with support from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Teach for Qatar.

The challenge: Preparing students for the future of work

A critical challenge facing educators today is how to prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce and evolving global challenges.

Many graduates possess theoretical knowledge but lack the problem-solving skills, adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset needed in modern industries. In Qatar, this gap is particularly concerning as the country  moves toward a diverse, knowledge-based, and sustainable economy, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

STEAMathon Qatar bridges this gap by equipping students with skills that transform them into future innovators, entrepreneurs, and sustainability leaders.

STEAMathon approach: Learning through doing

STEAMathon Qatar is built on a multi-phase model, ensuring that students and teachers receive the support needed to turn ideas into impactful projects:

• Teacher Training & Capacity Building – Educators underwent specialized training on STEAM integration, climate education, and green entrepreneurship.
• Student Engagement & Project Development – Students formed teams to tackle real environmental challenges such as water conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy solutions.
• Digital Evaluation & Mentorship – The first phase of project evaluation was conducted online, ensuring scalability and inclusivity.
• Exhibition & Recognition – The best student projects were showcased at a national exhibition hosted by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, where students pitched their solutions to policymakers, educators, and industry leaders.

Students leading the way

STEAMathon Qatar serves as a platform for student-led innovation. Notable projects include FILASTIC, a smart plastic recycling system developed by students from Hind bint Amr Al-Ansaria Preparatory School for Girls, and an innovative eco-friendly streetlight design from Musab Bin Omair Secondary School for Boys that integrates solar energy and algae to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Educators and community as drivers of change

Teachers are vital to STEAMathon Qatar's success. 91% of participating teachers reported changes in their teaching methods, while 96% found the training highly beneficial for integrating sustainability and entrepreneurship into their curriculum.

The initiative's success stems from strong collaboration across education, industry, and sustainability sectors. Key partners include QAPCO, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and Teach for Qatar. Students have visited Qatar University, Kahramaa, and Qatar Scientific Club for technical support. Our jury members came from UNESCO, Arab Youth Climate Movement, Qatar Charity among others.

Beyond the classroom: A growing impact

STEAMathon Qatar continues to expand its influence. At The 12th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) 2025, some of the  best student projects were featured and received recognition from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar when he visited the exhibition. I also joined Teach For All's Future of Work community to share the journey of STEAMathon Qatar, highlighting key best practices, lessons learned, and student-led innovations.

In October 2023, Teach For Qatar launched the "Teacher Sword" Competition to recognize the most impactful alumni-led projects. Winning first place in this competition was more than just a personal achievement. Holding the symbolic sword, I set new ambitions for STEAMathon Qatar, determined to scale its impact nationally and transform it into a driving force for sustainability and innovation in education. "The power of one, the potential of many." Teach For Qatar’s slogan remains a constant source of inspiration for me.

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Lessons learned and the road ahead

Through this journey, three key lessons have emerged:

1. Education must be hands-on – Students learn best when they are actively engaged in solving real challenges.

2. Collaboration is key – Partnerships between educators, industry leaders, and policymakers are essential for creating meaningful learning experiences.
3. Students are ready to lead – When given the right tools, young people surpass expectations and create solutions with real-world impact.

Looking ahead, STEAMathon Qatar aims to expand to 100 schools, integrate AI and digital solutions, and establish global collaborations to inspire similar education models worldwide.

The future belongs to those who innovate, solve, and lead and through STEAM education, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, STEAMathon Qatar is ensuring that the next generation is ready to take on the world.

What if every school became a hub of innovation? What if every student saw themselves as a leader?

That’s the future STEAMathon Qatar is building.

Live Long, STEAMathon Qatar!