Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) will hold its Garangao celebrations at Al Shaqab’s Indoor Arena tomorrow, which is open to the wider community.
Garangao, a children’s festival celebrated across the Gulf region and deeply rooted in local culture, traditionally marks the 14th night of Ramadan. This year, QF will host a variety of activities for the whole family, including pony rides, traditional games and arts and crafts, among other events.
Qatar Solar Technologies, a QF member, will facilitate creative lantern-making sessions using solar panels, while children can blend their own healthy smoothies by cycling to generate energy through Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First, an initiative of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.
The Qur’anic Botanic Garden will offer planting activities as well as 3D puzzles and virtual reality games, while Qatar Green Building Council will stage a puppet show and storytelling session in conjunction with Qatar National Library.
Some events will include a small fee, which will be donated to Reach Out to Asia’s “Reach into Qatar” initiative, a volunteer project that extends community development assistance across Qatar by renovating and refurbishing houses of less fortunate families.
A number of  National Reading Campaign activities will also be held as part of this year’s festivities. The campaign, a QF initiative organised in association with various organisations across the country, aims to foster a nationwide culture of reading.
National Reading Campaign events on the evening will include a Book Hangout, where children can dress up as their favourite storybook characters and act out specific scenes, bookmark-making sessions games and oversized puzzles.
By hosting a year-round calendar of “exciting and meaningful” activities and celebrations for the entire community, QF is prioritising community development in its efforts to support and enhance Qatar’s cultural life and protect its heritage.