“ I have a lot of friends not only in school but in our Nigerian community here in Qatar. I associate them a lot and I have many friends among them. Therefore I feel at home.” Not only companionship but Giyaz feels that Qatar has benefitted him in widening his horizon too. It has opened new avenues for him to explore and gain knowledge and experience for life:“ My mom found me an opportunity to participate in a programme as a volunteer for the Qatar 2022 event.” Explaining further Giyaz related that he is a member of the school’ s Basketball team, Debate team and Drama club. In spite of plans to travel the world, Giyaz stated with optimism that he would like to return to Qatar and find employment here as he feels this country would be the best choice for him.
“ Qatar is going to be one of the best countries in the world. Be patient. Don’ t be discouraged just because you do not understand Arabic and people do not socialize with you much owing to the language barrier. You will still have fun in Qatar, find friends who can understand you” says this youngster who enjoys his day everyday!
country and I am proud of it.” He instantly notes that he does not in any way wish to deny his roots. A sports enthusiast, for JP Qatar is all about sports;“ Qatar is a small country but sports are of high quality. Qatar has given me a lot of opportunities to participate in athletics. I am a member of the Rayyan Sports Club and have been a student athlete for two years. Previously I was a member of the Qatar Army Club.”
JP is grateful to his alma mater that provides him with a sound education but also for giving him friends;“ Friends are the best part of my life because they are always going to be there for me. They are like family because my parents are abroad.” While most children his age would complain about the rules and regulations imposed on young adolescents, JP says, that the law that governs the country, though somewhat stringent, disciplines young adults. He believes that abiding by the law will help make“... us youngsters better persons and that’ s what we want because we are the future generation.” For JP,“ Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world” and is second to no other.
now speak English and I am proud of my drawings because in my country I did not have a chance to go to art school. However here I have an art teacher who is very talented and is teaching me art.”
Qatar offered Darya a new lease of life as she is now involved in sports and more importantly is able to hone her skills and innate talent. She calls Qatar, a‘ safe place’, a‘ land of opportunities for everyone’. Adding to this very positive notion of the peninsula, she mentions her happiness is also owing to the fact that she has friends. Friendship plays a key role in the development of an adolescent’ s life in terms of being accepted by peers and building self confidence:“ I have many friends here in the school and I found others who are from my country. Moreover, the events like the Spring Festival at Souq Waqif give us a chance to mingle with others and enjoy our time here. The National Museum also has interesting activities.”
“ You have to find a way to do something else other than going to school. For example sports and art.” This is the motivating factor that drives forward Darya to enjoy all the benefits Qatar has to offer.
John Paul Villanueva Atienza
Also known as JP by his friends, he came to Qatar from the Philippines as a baby of a few months. He has lived in Qatar for 16 years and currently attends Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha.“ Qatar is part of my life. I adapted to its environment and sometimes I feel like I am part of this
Darya Stryuver
When Darya first came to Qatar from Russia three years ago, she was skeptical. Will she fit in? How will she communicate? These fears ran wild in her innocent mind. However once enrolled at Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha, this talented artist made it her priority to become proficient in the English Language;“ I can
Johann Bambino
17 year-old Johann is originally from India. He strikes one as a polite, out-going and friendly youngster who has a carefree aura about him. During the past decade he has been in Qatar, he has experienced school life first in a prominent Indian school and later joined Mesaieed
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