Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), recently hosted “Mother-Child Tech Fun” in collaboration with the Hamad Bin Jassim Center for K-12 Computer Science Education (HBJ Center) at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q). 

The event is an annual initiative by QCRI’s Creative Space, which represents a full program of activities that highlight technological innovations and promote an understanding of robotics, artificial intelligence, coding, as well as other areas of the computer science and computer engineering disciplines, especially among younger learners. 

The outdoor event, which was held at QCRI’s research facilities on October 30, welcomed close to 150 participants. The event created a fun and stimulating environment that fueled the curiosity of the mothers and their children, up to nine years of age, about how technological innovations work and are created. QCRI and HBJ Center’s hands-on computer science activities included programming, robotics, and coding-based games. Each activity was designed to challenge the parents and children to work together and apply computational thinking creatively. 

Ikram Zidani, Creative Space Coordinator at QCRI, said: “We were delighted to partner with the HBJ Center to create a positive learning experience where mothers could engage with their children. These events offer a good foundation for advanced learning. They also teach young learners leadership and creative thinking to use their tech know-how and navigate problems. Beyond career choices, these skills are essential in a world run by technology and artificial intelligence. We look forward to seeing new faces at other Creative Space initiatives in the future.”

Formed as a result of a collaboration between CMU-Q and the Jassim and Hamad Bin Jassim Charitable Foundation, HBJ Center promotes computer science education in schools throughout Qatar. 

Nour Elhouda Tabet, Computer Science Outreach Coordinator at HBJ Center, said: “Programming and computational thinking are almost essential skill sets for our youth today, and it was delightful to see mothers and children immersed side-by-side in these activities. Computer science education is a key element in Qatar’s human development, and we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with QCRI on this initiative that encourages young learners to pursue this field.” 

QCRI conducts innovative multidisciplinary applied computing research that is relevant to the needs of Qatar, the wider Arab region, and the world.