Dear GAAQ Parents, Students and Teachers:

The time is soon approaching to celebrate the 95+ nationalities and ethnicities within our students, teachers, and parents!  In the past, this day has taken place on our school campus.  However, in response to national and school COVID-19 measures, we will take our United Nations (UN) celebration to videos and photos this year.

What is United Nations Day?  Historically, United Nations (UN) Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the UN Charter on October 24, 1945.  UN Day has traditionally been highlighted throughout the world with meetings, discussions, and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization.

At GEMS American Academy Qatar (GAAQ), UN Day is devoted to celebrating and acknowledging the power of diversity in our school community.  In the past, United Nations Day has been traditionally celebrated through music and dance, cultural performances, a parade of nations and country-specific stalls highlighting various cultures, art, history, exhibits, crafts, and food.  Please click here to see an assortment of pictures and videos from our UN Day last year and click here to see a video montage on our previous year's UN Day.

Quite simply, this day is one of the biggest events at GAAQ!

How Can I Participate?  Since this year’s event cannot be held on-campus, we are urging parents, students, and teachers to still show pride for their home country or ethnicity through videos and photos.  ** This year, we also want to highlight your hometown, as well. **  Some ideas to show your pride include, but are not limited to:

• Educational video / presentation
• Cooking / food video
• Dress up as a historical character and explain the importance to your country
• Country dance
• Country song / poem / famous speech recitation
• Fashion show
• Showcase country art, exhibits and crafts
• Pictures of your CITY and COUNTRY

NEXT STEPS: Please complete the UN DAY participation form no later than Thursday, November 12th.  Click here to read this short guide if you choose to film with your smartphone.  Please follow this guide for exact instructions on how to correctly film and email your UN Day video.

UN DAY Participation Form