Creative Space, an initiative by Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), held its annual Mother-to-Child Tech Event on October 22 - an inspiring platform to engage with the emerging technologies shaping the world. 

The well-attended social event, held at the HBKU Researchery, provided an exciting learning environment and an opportunity for lively interactions between tech-knowledgeable mothers and their children up to 12 years of age. Highly praised in former editions, ‘Mother-to-Child Tech Fun’ once again challenged the mothers and children to work together to apply computational thinking creatively. 

This year’s event partners included the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and its community platform Studio 5/6, Qatar Scientific Club, GoCode Gulf, Ibtechar’s Sanea program, and RoboThink.

Participants were encouraged to familiarize themselves with how technological innovations work and are created in a fun and stimulating setting. Hands-on activities included coding-based games, electronics, and robotics. The event witnessed the young students learning how to incorporate new technologies and applications – including artificial intelligence and programming - into their understanding of the world and identify the relevant tools that form the foundation of real-world innovations. 

Dr. Eman Fituri, Director of Educational Initiatives at QCRI, said: “Our successful Creative Space initiative once again showed that technology is a positive outlet for the youngest of learners to demonstrate creativity. We express our immense appreciation to our event partners who actively ensured this edition of ‘Mother-Child Tech Fun’ was a resounding success. Introducing young students to advanced technologies at a very early stage is an invaluable life skill and has a crucial role in their long-term development. One of our aims is inspiring and preparing future innovators to develop their talents in computer science and engineering fields. The event reinforced the core role of STEM learning for students keen to develop their talents in these fields.”

For more information on upcoming events and initiatives by Creative Space, please visit https://creativespace.qcri.org/