GAAQ First International School in Qatar to Receive the Prestigious Eco Schools Green Flag Award

GEMS American Academy – Qatar was the third K–12 school in Qatar to receive the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, marking a moment of great pride and validation for our school community. Over the years, a dedicated group of GAAQ students and teachers has worked to strengthen the school’s commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable living under the guidance of the Eco-Schools National Operator, the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC). Their continued efforts have been recognized internationally for excellence in environmental action and learning, and in 2026, GAAQ’s Eco-Club proudly earned its third Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

Working in collaboration with the Eco-Schools Green Flag teacher supervisors, students have truly embodied the academy’s unofficial mantra, “student-led, teacher-supported,” by driving numerous environmental programs and initiatives. Their collective efforts have also contributed to GAAQ receiving the Qatar Green Building Council Sustainability Award in the University/College School Sustainability category. 

A group of 12 GAAQ teachers formed the Greenhouse Teacher Group to help establish an aquaponics greenhouse. Within six months, the Eco-Club was empowered to maintain and supervise the space on a full-time basis. A group of GAAQ educators also established a Green Professional Learning Community (PLC), where teachers collaborated and discussed ways to support environmental education within the school.

GAAQ students have worked tirelessly on a range of sustainability initiatives and projects that provide meaningful, real-life learning opportunities. Teachers and students have also collaborated to develop best practices that could be adopted by other schools and institutions across Qatar. These initiatives have included STEM labs using recycled materials, an Upper School greenhouse elective, a paper recycling program, reusable produce bags introduced by the Parent Association, planting projects including a green wall and palm trees, and the installation of an aquarium and koi pond. Presentations and ongoing engagement with the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) have further encouraged GAAQ students to raise environmental awareness and remain committed to sustainable practices. 

GEMS American Academy Qatar would like to thank Meshal Al Shamari (Director, QGBC), Hamoda Youssef (Head of Communications, QGBC), Ruba Hinnawi (Technical Specialist, QGBC), Marcia Jones (Assessor, ASD), GAAQ Parent Association, Regina Abulola-Turner (former GAAQ parent) and their faculty.