Manama: An initiative to make the back-to-school experience more fun and enjoyable is being launched by Qatar National Library (QNL).

Under the ‘Back to School’ initiative launched on Thursday, numerous activities designed to develop children’s creative potential and unleash their creativity through storytelling, arts, and crafts are planned, organisers said.

“The aim of this ‘Back to School’ event is to bring together the children of Qatar and give them an opportunity to develop their creative abilities and skills with their families,” Carol Mitchell, Head of Children’s Services at QNL, said. “They will get to learn new arts and crafts, including creating their own personalised pencil cases, and listen to exciting stories and songs. We believe education should be fun and that is what this event is about.”

The initiative by QNL, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), is open to children aged between four and 11 and to their families to mark the beginning of the new academic year and to foster an engaged, progressive society.

“By sharing valuable information and cultivating creativity, QNL continues to support Qatar Foundation’s commitment to unlock human potential for future generations,” Gihan Mohsen Baraka, Head of Library Relations and Communications at QNL, said. “It does this by providing access to a wealth of resources through its exceptional selection of online databases, regular training programmes, and social engagement initiatives.”

Organisers said the first ‘Back to School’ event is one of many social events taking place at Education City that QNL organises and participates in year-round to spread knowledge, nurture imagination, cultivate creativity, and preserve the nation’s heritage for the future.

In addition to organising and partnering in local community events, QNL also participates in regional initiatives, programmes, and international exhibitions and conferences. The local community events include monthly book discussion events, online databases trainings, lectures, and children’s events.

“QNL recognises that children are the leaders of the future,” the organisers said. “They need to be equipped with the necessary resources, knowledge, and skills to preserve the nation’s heritage, while driving their community into the future. Therefore, QNL provides access to a wealth of digital resources for young people through its children and teen collections.”