Global Shapers Doha Hub Celebrates Second Annual Children’s Day with HMC
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The Doha Hub of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community organized their second annual event for children who are terminally ill and undergoing long-term treatment at Hamad Medical Cooperation.
The event was held on Saturday 4th March and it helped the children to forget their troubles for one day and enjoy being recognised as children first and foremost before anything else.
As the children entered, they were joyfully greeted by the HMC staff and Global Shapers. Creative activities such as face painting, balloon making, and drawing entertained the children for hours.
The highlight of the evening was a very entertaining and majestic performance by globally-recognized illusionist and magician Cezar Bakasiou, previously featured on Romania’s Got Talent.
“An illusionist allows one to believe in the impossible,” remarked one Global Shaper. “For the children who are undergoing hardships in their daily lives due to their health, it gives them the optimism and courage to believe that things can change for the better.”
Another Shaper remarked that happiness should not be undervalued as an important part of the healing process of patients, especially children.
It is hoped that the awareness from events like these will encourage healthcare providers and volunteers to remember to make room for activities such as these in the future.
The event would not have been possible without the generous support from the HMC staff, who work tirelessly with the children all year long to encourage an atmosphere of inclusion and happiness among the children.
The Global Shapers volunteers, especially the project manager Michael Demian, were praised for their contribution of time, effort and gifts for the children.
For the terminally ill children who were not able to make this event, some volunteers will visit them personally and deliver gifts so that no-one is forgotten.
Abdulla Al-Kuwari, the The Global Shapers Curator for this year, gave a few final remarks as the event came to a close.
“I encourage people to apply to be a member of our active, volunteer-based community, and to follow our efforts as documented through our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels. We always welcome ideas for activities and both short and long term projects that will contribute to a better society for all.”