As we look towards the year 2012, one must reflect on the year 2011.  The year has been difficult, not only in the Arab world but the whole world.  Not only have we seen governments in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya collapse, but we have also seen riots in London, protestations in the financial worlds and continued unrest in different parts of the world.  Poverty inflicts people of all races, all cultures and worlds -- the sense of vulnerability forces people to behave in angry ways.  The commonality of aggression and violence lies not in the religion of people, but in the common factor of economic dis-satisfaction.  People who are hungry, unable to access quality education and unemployed are involuntarily forced to rebel against the status quo; at ROTA we try to alleviate this sense of helplessness in providing countries in the developing world with access to quality education.  As I look back at 2011, there is much to celebrate.

The recent conclusion of our Gala Dinner raised over 13 million dollars, but also resulted in new partnerships with prominent Middle Eastern organizations.  The success of development always results in partnership.  There is so much work to be done, so many people that need assistance, and no country, no organization no matter how rich or capable is able to fulfill all needs. We strive, and continue to work on partnership -- by working together, we can expedite change, and make this world more stable and safer for future generations.  The success of our gala dinner, ensures that more programs can be executed and more people having access to quality education. I thank everyone who participated in making our night so successful!

With our dedicated team at ROTA, and the leadership of Essa Al Mannai, ROTA has succeeded in providing 30,438 students access to quality education in both primary and secondary -- throughout our 7 focal point projects (detail information can be found on our new website).  We have trained 831 teachers, as well as 65 Qatari teachers trained on project based learning.  Furthermore, we continue to get inspiration from our youth -- with 140 young people participated in the 4th Youth Service Clubs Leadership Training.  I have also personally benefitted from interacting with the ROTA Youth Clubs (we currently have 14!) -- their youth does not undermine their skills in leadership and critical thinking -- in fact, through their motivation they have inspired our communities to strive for change.

It has been just over a year since Qatar was awarded the FIFA 2022 World Cup.  ROTA had the honor to work with the Qatar 2022 team and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) launch the First School Soccer Challenge during the 2011 Asian Cup help in Doha.  The partnership with the AFC resulted in the program Dream Asia -- a new educational, social and cultural project promoting education throughout Asia.  ROTA has made sports education part of its DNA, incorporating the notion of "right to play" in the schools we are building.  Every child should be exposed to playing sports -- it teaches individuals to be independent, disciplined, respectful of their opponents and team players.  This skill becomes invaluable in one's journey of adulthood.  

This brings me to focus on our next major event, the Wheels'n Heels taking place next month is an important celebration of life.   It brings all nationalities living in Qatar, as well as athletes and international celebrities to express commitment of self, but also others.  The concept of Wheels 'N Heels stems in the notion of being active, and conducting a healthy life style.  It also is embedded in volunteerism; volunteering your time to help the well being of others.  This year, we will be raising money for the victims of Japans' tsunami, as Doha also celebrates 40 years of bilateral relations between Qatar and Japan.  I hope that you will all join us in making this day as successful as it always has been; as well as our Public Sports Holiday that has recently been launched.  Make health a priority for you, your children and family in 2012!