In an unprecedented collaboration, Qatar Airways and Paris Saint-Germain football club have joined forces with the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation to provide underprivileged children with an extraordinary fusion of education and sports. In partnership with EAA, the esteemed airline orchestrated a once-in-a-lifetime experience, bringing together children from diverse backgrounds for an exclusive rendezvous with the Paris Saint-Germain football players at the iconic Parc des Princes stadium in Paris.

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, has been a long-standing supporter of the EAA Foundation as its resource partner since 2014. This latest initiative marks a remarkable milestone in their collaboration, as they team up with EAA’s schools dedicated to breaking down barriers to education. EAA Foundation made dreams come true for its children by organizing a captivating journey to Paris, where they had the extraordinary opportunity to accompany their idols from Paris Saint-Germain onto the hallowed turf before an exhilarating ‘Ligue 1’ fixture.

A dream comes from the actual moment. The children accompanied their favourite Paris Saint-Germain players onto the Parc des Princes pitch.

Mr Akbar Al Baker, the Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, expressed the airline’s commitment to nurturing and inspiring young minds facing educational obstacles. Reflecting on the transformative role of football in education and the holistic development of youth, Mr Al Baker emphasized the significance of this collaboration with Paris Saint-Germain and EAA Foundation, which seamlessly integrates education and sports to equip children with invaluable life skills.

Mr Fahad Al Sulaiti, CEO of Education Above All Foundation, lauded the exceptional partnership and its profound impact on children’s lives. Recognizing the unparalleled capacity of sports, particularly football, to empower and enlighten, Mr Al Sulaiti praised the qualities instilled in youth through teamwork, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. He highlighted the collaboration’s power to turn dreams into reality and illuminate the educational journeys of these children, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Qatar Airways and Paris Saint-Germain for their unwavering dedication to empowering future generations.

Fabien Allegre, Paris Saint-Germain’s Chief Brand Officer and Deputy Director of the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation/Endowment Fund voiced the club’s delight in supporting Qatar Airways’ Education Above All program. This joint commitment represents a natural extension of their partnership, fueled by a shared dedication to helping young people soar and fulfil their potential.

The integration of education and football during this remarkable journey allowed the children to forge lifelong memories. They engaged in training sessions with the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation, immersing themselves in the mesmerizing city of Paris. The itinerary was thoughtfully curated to capture the excitement of the French capital, experience the passion of supporting France’s most successful football team, and embody the virtues of sport, such as teamwork, cooperation, focus, and discipline.

Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, established in 2012, is a global foundation that seeks to promote human social and economic development through quality education and welfare programs. Operating in over 60 countries worldwide, EAA has empowered 15 million children and youth by granting them access to quality education.

Since 2014, Qatar Airways has pledged unwavering support to EAA to provide quality education to children and youth facing barriers. The airline has raised approximately QAR 19.2 million through onboard donations and matching those contributions.

To learn more about the Education Above All Foundation, please visit their website: Education Above All Foundation.

Written by: Anne Keam

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