Doha, Qatar, June 21 2015

The Middle East is an area of seemingly endless sunshine and yet very little is known within the region about the use of solar energy and its various applications. Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) have set up an innovative hands-on solar learning program called Shams Generation that is attempting to bridge this knowledge gap and develop the next generation of solar engineers, artists and renewable energy entrepreneurs. 

Shams Generation was established by QSTec as an interactive learning program that combines art, science, reusing and solar energy.  In this first stage pilot program QSTec provided solar learning kits aimed at various scholastic levels and abilities to Qatar Academy, Awsaj, Qatar Academy Sidra and Doha College.  Teachers attended workshops and were given access to the interactive website which provides online learning tools for teachers based on the three Shams Generation levels of solar learning. These solar kits were distributed to all participating students who then had to draw upon their various skill sets to create innovative solar works of art that combine light, motion and solar energy.

The Shams Generation initiative is based on an interdisciplinary approach to education called STEAM that combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics in a unique way that allows many students to thrive and encourages lifelong learning skills. Qatar Academy & Doha College recently showcased a number of the student's creative solar applications at their solar art and light exhibitions held at Qatar Foundation and Doha College's Al Waab school.

The exhibitions showcased the success of the Shams Generation's pilot programs and the creativity of the students with hundreds of solar art projects on display to the public. The designs were amazing and highlighted the creativity and ability of the students to understand how solar energy works and utilise this in unique ways. 

"Educating our youth about the use of energy, the protection of the environment and the conservation of our natural resources is of prime importance for the future of our planet." said Dr Khalid K. Al Hajri, Chairman and CEO of QSTec.  "We are so proud to be working with the schools in actively creating programs that encourage students to learn about solar energy and develop creative solar powered works of art and applications that are truly inspiring. This program is totally unique and is actively developing our next generation of solar engineers and protecting our planet for future generations."

There are currently over 750 students participating in the Shams Generation pilot program and it will be expanding to 1,500 students in the next academic year as a part of QSTec's efforts to encourage innovative approaches to learning.

In order to yet again showcase the brilliance created by these students, an exhibition of these works shall be on display each night after Iftar from June 27th until the end of Eid at Katara. From July 1st until the end of Ramadan at 9pm each evening children will be able to participate in hands on creative solar workshops and learn how to build their own solar lanterns. QSTec's Shams Generation exhibition and workshops will be held at Building 13 in Katara.

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About Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec)
Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) is enabling Qatar reach a sustainable future by manufacturing and supplying solar energy solutions that are used locally and exported globally. QSTec, a joint venture formed between Qatar Solar (a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development), SolarWorld AG and Qatar Development Bank, has access to unrivalled resources with a philosophy that is built on quality, operational excellence and commercial integrity. QSTec is currently building a 8,000 metric ton per annum polysilicon facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City Qatar and is the largest private equity holder in the global solar company SolarWorld.  QSTec and its partners are the key solar technology suppliers for some of Qatar's most iconic buildings and offer turnkey solar energy solutions for any sized project in addition to offering high quality Polysilicon to customers around the world.

For more information visit QSTec.com.

For more information please contact:
Craig Field
Corporate Communications Specialist
Qatar Solar Technologies
Email:  cfield@qf.org.qa
Phone:  +974 4020 2358
www.qstec.com

© Press Release 2015