Qatar Helium competition winners awarded by RasGas and SEC representatives for their projects on helium.
More than 30 students were recognised for their projects on helium at the Energising Education school competition awards ceremony held at the RasGas Company Limited (RasGas) headquarters last week.
The ceremony marked the end of the Qatar Helium series arranged by RasGas in collaboration with the Supreme Education Council (SEC), aimed at strengthening students’ scientific knowledge while creating a tangible link with Qatar’s hydrocarbon industry.
The Energising Education - Qatar Helium series consists of 16 informative videos (eight each in Arabic and English) that explore helium’s unique properties and uses in industry, and a book that celebrates Qatar’s role in meeting 25% of the global helium demand.
Earlier this year, science teachers from 21 independent high schools incorporated the educational series in their teaching material, bridging a knowledge gap between formal learning with the State’s main industry.
Students were then encouraged to form teams and present projects that culminated their understanding of this natural resource found in abundance in Qatar’s North Field. Eight winning teams were selected from 30 contending teams demonstrating their understanding of the noble gas’ properties and its various industrial uses.
“Witnessing the students’ pride as they were presented their awards for their projects on helium embodied the spirit we strive to foster from this Energising Education initiative,” said  RasGas chief employee development and welfare officer, Erhama al-Kaabi.
“As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility programme, RasGas is committed to positively contributing to Qatar’s community; it is especially keen to proactively support students’ education as envisaged by Qatar National Vision 2030,” a statement noted.
“The Education Institute at SEC is very pleased with its valuable partnership with RasGas. One of the most important outcomes of this co-operation is raising awareness among our students on how to cherish and preserve our national resources,” said Fawzia al-Khater, SEC education manager.
With the commissioning of the Helium 2 facility in 2013, Qatar became the world’s largest exporter and second largest producer of helium.
RasGas and SEC launched the pilot Energising Education – Qatar Helium educational programme earlier in 2015.