Reach Out To Asia (Rota) has commended volunteers and participants of its adult literacy programmes.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded to trainers and trainees in recognition of their contributions to the 2015-2016 edition of Rota’s Adult English Literacy (RAEL) and Adult Arabic Literacy (RAAL) programmes.
More than 270 volunteers helped low-income workers in Qatar acquire basic English language skills, which will assist them to better communicate in their daily lives and help achieve their personal goals. Additionally, 20 volunteers participated in RAAL.
“Rota believes in the importance of unlocking human potential to develop cohesive communities built on solid foundations,” said Rasmeya Hassan al-Jamali, community development specialist, National Programmes Department.
“Rota’s initiatives such as RAEL and RAAL place significant importance on the development of society, and aim to ultimately benefit the State of Qatar and support Qatar Foundation.
“The adult literacy programme has proven to be an effective way to support low-income workers. It enables them to better communicate within their own communities, while equipping them with new teaching skills. This in turn offers participants the opportunity to give back to the community as part of a unique volunteering experience,” she added.
Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, a Rota volunteer and student at Carnegie Mellon University Qatar, said that participation in the programme was extremely beneficial.
“On the one hand, I learned a great deal about how education facilitates success and improves human lives while, conversely, I realised the personal importance of giving back.
“My volunteering experience has shaped my personal life and has offered me a priceless opportunity to gain new skills while helping others.”
Douglas Njihia, a participant, said it provided him with basic language skills. “It has had a positive impact on my life, enabling me to communicate better at work and in my social life. It was an entertaining and valuable experience that I would go through again, and I thank Rota for offering us this opportunity.”
First introduced in 2009, RAEL was created primarily to develop the English literacy and language capabilities of low-income workers in Qatar. The Arabic version of the programme was launched in 2013.
The programme offers young people in Qatar the opportunity to teach first hand, thereby developing their skills and giving them the opportunity to give back to foreign guests in Qatar.
The programme is designed to help participants improve their language skills as a means of enhancing their ability to achieve personal goals, improve life opportunities and develop their communication skills.
Rota, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, organised this year’s edition in collaboration with a number of local entities, including the Academic Bridge Programme, Qatari Diar and Ashghal.