Business & Money | Tuesday 1 November, 2016 5:33 pm |

The Social Development Center, a member of Qatar Foundation for Social Action, has announced the launch of its new visual identity, entitled ‘Nama’, and the Nama (development) strategy 2016 - 2020, which embodies an extension of a deep-seated legacy of social work over the past two decades. The visual identity launch ceremony took place at the Qatar National Convention Center in the presence of dignitaries, VIP guests, esteemed partners and members of the media.

The Center’s new identity portrays the importance of playing the role of the engine in the wheel of development and prosperity in the State of Qatar, through a sound investment in human capital, represented by Qatar’s younger generations, where ‘Nama’ will work on the empowerment of youth, boosting their capabilities, and investing in their capacity, by identifying channels and programs that contribute to the activation of their participation in community development and their effective contribution to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The new ‘Nama’ strategy focuses on a social investment approach, in harmony with the highest international standards and practices in the field of social welfare, which is a model that transforms the organization from a provider of grants and aid, and one that works to improve the families’ situation and their quality of life, to the adoption of a more effective and deeper approach, specifically towards the youth segment, and helping them address the challenges that lie ahead, through the implementation of long-term programs.

Commenting on the occasion, Ms. Amaal bint Abdullatif Al Mannai, CEO of Qatar Foundation for Social Action, said: "We are delighted to witness a new beginning for this Center, which has proved the pivotal role it plays in community development over two decades, as well as its support services for community groups that the Center has had a significant role in the development of. We are also pleased to see its new direction towards a primary focus on the youth in the State of Qatar, and we all hope for 'Nama' to create the development we aspire to, for the benefit of future generations."

On her part, Ms. Mariam bint Abdullatif Al Mannai – Director of the Community Services Department, and the Director in charge of running the Nama’s affairs, said:

“Through our new launch, we aim to translate the meaning of ‘Nama’ (development) into action on the ground. Nama’s role lies in making a positive difference in the lives of our youth; the future of our country and one of its cornerstones. By activating their role and encourage them to lead, we are on the right track to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030. ‘Nama’ center aims to be a bridge for youth towards a bright future bridge that is built with their ideas and creativity, as well as to equipping them to become ambassadors of change and development.”

On his part, Mr. Hamad bin Ali Al Marri, Nama’s Community Awareness Department Director, said:

"The choice of youth to be the center of attention at ‘Nama’ is based on the leadership’s direction towards providing more care and attention to a key category in society that enjoys amazing potential and capacity that need to be steered in a constructive and positive way. This can be achieved through working closely with them, and getting to know what matters to them and what they need in terms of programs and projects that contribute to the investment of their capacity and abilities and harnessing them for their benefit as well as their community and their country’s greater good, development and prosperity.”

The ‘Nama’ methodology in dealing with social projects, will revolve around the understanding that there are no quick fixes when it comes to sustainable development, but long-term solutions that may take years to accomplish. As is the case for any social action, the focus needs to be on a clearly-defined central goal, in order to achieve maximum impact. At this stage, the focus of ‘Nama’ is on investing in younger generations at an early age by adding value through the provision of intellectual, technical and practical inputs that build capacity, make a widespread impact, and produce sustainable solutions.