Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Qatar’s leading educational non-profit organisation in Qatar celebrated the joy of Garangao with child patients at Hamad Hospital’s Paediatric Ward and Rumailah Hospital’s Children’s Rehabilitation Centre as part of its Ramadan 2014 Project, sponsored by Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd (Oxy Qatar).

Often called “The Festival of Children,” Garangao is observed on 14th day of the Holy Month of Ramadan every year. Historically, ROTA hosts special events to mark this joyous occasion, looking to provide new treats and entertainment for children. This year ROTA hosted the event in two special locations for vulnerable children in the local community: outside , ‘My Gym’ in Rumailah Hospital that provides a large soft play area suited to the requirements of children with special needs, as well as in Hamad Hospital’s Paediatric Ward.

ROTA volunteers played with the children and distributed bags filled with sweets and toys, while they all joined together to sing the traditional Garangao song.

“The Garangao celebration at both Hamad and Rumailah Hospital reiterates our commitment to giving back to the local community. Garangao is about celebrating and preserving our heritage, and by doing so, ROTA has reached out to create happiness in these children’s lives, especially poignant during the Holy Month of Ramadan, where it is the custom to reach out to the less fortunate,” said National Program Director at ROTA, Mr. Mohamed Al Saleh.

By participating in this celebration we wanted to bring smiles to the children’s faces. They celebrated the festivities with enthusiasm and excitement and it has been an honour celebrating Garangao with them. I want to thank all our volunteers for being part of all our wonderful initiatives this month, it has been a privilege working with each and every one of them,” said ROTA’s Volunteer Program Manager, George Tavola.

Steve Kelly, General Manager of OXY Qatar commented by saying: We are honoured to support all of ROTA’s initiatives during this time of year and participate in the festivity of the joyous Garangao celebrations with the children and our volunteers at Hamad Hospital’s Pediatric Ward.”

Speaking to one of ROTA’s volunteers who attended both celebrations with the children:

“I’ve been in Doha for a very long time, and this is the first time I decide to participate in a community event. I have never been that happy seeing all the children faces lighten up the moment we came in and started playing with them and giving them toys. I’m blessed to be part of this project, and I’m looking forward for more ROTA initiatives this Ramadan.

Designed to boost ROTA’s community initiatives, the Ramadan Campaign ‘Sharing Blessings’ also includes extensive renovations at the Bangladesh school in Abu Hamour, as well as other special Iftar meals with community-based institutions. Within the scope of the project, Reach Out To Asia’s volunteers have already packed and distributed groceries to over 100 families in need.

Follow @reachouttoasia to learn more about volunteering with ROTA.

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