A solar art exhibition initiated by Shams Generation, an educational initiative by Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) in collaboration with Qatar Museums, was opened yesterday at the Katara Hall 19 – Gallery 2.
Inaugurated by Dr Khalid K al-Hajri, chairman and CEO of QSTec, the event will be open until April 6. The collective exhibition features artwork by students from various schools participating in the Shams Generation programme using a solar power kit and recycled materials. 
Over 20 schools have incorporated the programme, with more than 1,500 students contributing to the artwork being showcased. 
Shams Generation, which will reach over 7,000 students in 2016, is the largest ever national-level educational programme of its kind in Qatar and aims to forge a blueprint for progress on sustainability of solar energy as a resource. 
On April 6 and 7, the exhibition will make way for a series of workshops for children to make their own solar lanterns at Katara. 
A university programme has also been launched this year with a view to collaborate with more universities and colleges in Qatar. 
Established by QSTec in 2015, Shams Generation is an interactive hands-on learning programme that combines art, science, reusing and solar energy. 
Teachers receive instructions on how to implement the programme and in turn educate the students.