Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attends a Social Entrepreneurship event at QF

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended today a special event for the Social Entrepreneurship Program, organized by Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE) in collaboration with Mentor Arabia. The event highlighted the importance of ethical leadership and the role of social entrepreneurship in driving positive change.

The event was also attended by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, President of Mentor International, and His Royal Highness Prince Turki Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of Mentor Arabia.

During the event, seven finalists presented five entrepreneurial projects, showcasing their innovative ideas and social impact, with a strong emphasis on their potential to drive sustainable development. A distinguished panel of experts and social entrepreneurship specialists assessed the projects based on key criteria, including creativity, sustainability, feasibility, and overall societal impact.

This valuable experience provided participants with constructive feedback and strategic guidance, enabling them to refine their initiatives, develop their ideas, and transform them into impactful and sustainable long-term projects.

Sheikha Noof Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives in Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation, emphasized that upholding core values is essential in a rapidly changing world, as they form the foundation for building resilient societies.

"The Community Entrepreneurship Program aims to empower young people by equipping them with the skills and support needed to develop impactful social initiatives that align with the vision of the “Akhlaquna” initiative,” She added, “Education at QF goes beyond academic achievement; it is about shaping character, fostering social responsibility, and instilling ethical values.”

Sheikha Noof highlighted that the program has successfully developed leadership skills and transformed ideas into practical solutions. She pointed out that the partnership between Akhlaquna and Mentor Arabia reinforces ethical values through specialized training in social entrepreneurship.

She concluded her remarks with a message to young entrepreneurs, urging them to make ethics and leadership a guiding principle in their journey. “This is just the beginning. Let ethical values and a positive impact define your path, inspire others, and strive to create a lasting change that strengthens communities.”

Fatima Salem Naqadan, a 24-year-old student at Qatar University, was honored for her project ‘Carrot Cash’, a parent-controlled digital wallet designed to reignite children’s motivation by encouraging them to complete tasks and develop themselves. The project was recognized for its excellence and innovation in social entrepreneurship. In celebration of their efforts and significant contributions, all participants were invited to the stage, highlighting their collective role in driving innovation and fostering a positive societal impact.

Naqadan, the creator of the winning project, said: "Winning this project gives me great motivation to continue developing it and enhancing its impact. It is not just a personal achievement, but a step towards creating tangible change that benefits individuals and society.

"I am proud to have been one of the trainees with Mentor Arabia. It was a rich and insightful experience during which I learned a wealth of valuable information. The training was filled with knowledge and beneficial expertise, and I am very happy to have been part of it. I look forward to seeing the fruits of my efforts come to life."

Regarding the technological impact of the project on children, Naqadan explained that its success largely depends on parents' acceptance of their children’s interaction with technology. She pointed out that: "Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and the challenge lies in how to guide its use correctly. When used consciously and positively, it can become a valuable educational tool rather than a negative burden."

Anthony Abi Zeid, Program Director at Mentor Arabia Foundation, said: "The program aims to build a thriving and empowered youth community by equipping participants with the necessary skills, resources, and support to successfully launch, grow, and sustain social entrepreneurship projects. Our goal is not only to provide knowledge but to create a real and lasting impact on society."

Abi Zeid noted that 22 participants were selected for this edition of the program, allowing them to benefit from more intensive and tailored training. He added: "We are committed to ensuring that each participant receives the guidance and support needed to achieve their goals in the field of social entrepreneurship."

He explained that the selection process was based on specific criteria to ensure that the most prepared and eligible participants were chosen. "We aimed to attract young individuals who are passionate and committed to social entrepreneurship,”

"We ensured that applicants were between 18 and 30 years old and demonstrated a clear interest in social entrepreneurship, whether by having an existing project or a promising idea that can be developed."

"Our aspiration is to turn this program into a sustainable annual initiative so that its impact extends beyond a single cycle, becoming a lasting platform for developing entrepreneurial skills and fostering a spirit of social innovation among youth."