|q| How did the idea of ROTA originate?
|a| The idea of ROTA came in preparation of the Asian Games.  His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Doha Asian Games wanted to extend Qatar's involvement in Asia. Sport is one way of bringing peace and prosperity to the region, but he believed that by developing areas in Asia through education, especially after the tsunami and earthquakes, we could create a stronger foundation. Therefore, ROTA was created under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation, a non-profit organization chaired by my mother, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Misnad.
    Qatar Foundation, is a private non-profit organization, which aims to develop Qatar, on a national level, and the region on an international level, as a leader in innovative education and research. We hope to achieve the United Nation's Millennium Development and Education for All goals by 2015.

|q| Often people seem more willing to donate money than time, but ROTA seeks both. Which has been the tougher? Getting people to donate money, or getting people to give their time and effort?

|a| Firstly, I do not agree that some people prefer to donate money rather than time.  Different people prefer to give different things based on their personal capacity. For example, a rich businessman may have the money but not the time, and therefore he is more likely to donate money as his time is limited. On the other hand, an average income worker who does not have as much money would be more likely to volunteer his time than donate cash.

In addition, ROTA also responds to disaster - both natural and man-made, to ensure that some level of education can be re-established as quickly as possible.  As well as creating new initiatives, we also pay close attention to developing partnerships with other NGOs and build upon their efforts. When dealing with humanitarian work, no one should work alone but should work in partnership with other non-profit organizations and networks. In addition, we focus on educational projects and sometimes require other NGOs with different expertise such as health, hygiene, and fighting hunger to join forces with us in achieving our goals.

|q| You visited a remote region of Pakistan where ROTA is now rebuilding schools in villages devastated by the 2005 earthquake. Can you tell us about that experience?
|a| Clearly, when one witnesses things first hand, the impact is far stronger than when things are described or projected in the media.  The area we visited did not have much everything was destroyed by the earthquake. Despite this, we were very happy to see that families were still determined to send their children to school. 
    Although the schools that are available are simply shades made of metal and wood, I think it was a way for families to help their children overcome the trauma. Because the area we visited was the most educated region, a lot of the children were on their way or already in school when the earthquake happened and therefore the number of casualties was high.  The children were singing and dancing, but in their eyes you could see that they were traumatised. 
    ROTA is working with Qatar's Red Crescent and Pakistan's Red Cross/Crescent network to help rebuild schools as well as counsel and psychologically rehabilitate the children of the area.

|q| What is it that you take back from these visits?

|a| I think the most important thing when one tries to help another community is to understand the community.  Without understanding their culture, their history and heritage it is difficult to help them stand on their own feet without imposing on them ideas that are not theirs. It is so vital that people help create their own future and not dictate to them in their time of need and desperation. When visiting Pakistan, it was clear that our understanding of development was different to theirs.
   

 For example, many of the families' homes were on fault lines, and although the Pakistani authorities tried to encourage these families to move they insisted to stay.  To them, their land was more valuable than anything else and to move was not something they would consider. Therefore, in coming back one has to think: how can we help them? If they refuse to move, then what are the alternatives? Where do we build the schools, and how to we develop the community? We have lots of questions, and sometimes the answers are not easy to find.
    This is why ROTA really encourages volunteer trips.  It is important for people who donate their money and time to see where their contributions are going, and also to interact with different communities and cultures.  It is when we understand each other, that we can help each other become better people. 
    I strongly believe that the human race is inherently good and that, once people are made aware of ways in which they can contribute, they are only too willing to add to the effort, often contributing new and innovative solutions that can bring significant change.
    Almost without exception, our volunteers come back from their field trips feeling that they have gained much more than they have given.  They forge new friendships, experience new cultures, discover their own hidden strengths and, above all, come away with a strong realisation of their own personal ability to make the world a better place. They become better people, with a broader prospective and a richer soul.

|q| A lot of your work depends on volunteerism.  Do you think that spirit still thrives?
|a| Most definitely! We have witnessed a growing desire to become involved and make a difference in the world - particularly amongst our young people. ROTA's task now is to facilitate ways in which people can involve themselves. Our Volunteer Programme is now operating a programme of Community Impact Days within our local communities. This is a great introduction to voluntary work and generally inspires people to move on to a deeper level of involvement. We also welcome ideas from community members and look forward to seeing them come into action. Our role is not only to inspire, but to be inspired.

|q| How would you encourage people to get involved?
|a| There are so many ways in which people can participate; organizing fundraising events through their school or university, workplace or social groups; initiating ideas for community projects; encouraging friends and families to join them in their efforts; supporting ROTA events such as the annual Wheels 'n' Heels "fun and fitness" day.
I often get messages on facebook or email from people asking me how they can get involved.  To be honest, it is really simple. We have a very informative website - http://www.reachouttoasia.org/ and a ROTA group has been made online at Facebook's website.  Anyone can call us on +9744800296 or drop us a line on rota@qf.org.qa.  ROTA has a very competent and helpful team who would be more than happy to guide and help anyone get involved.

|q| Do you think developed and richer countries are doing enough for those who need help?
|a| I believe the good intentions are definitely there. Some countries do more than others, and it is important that we work with each other.  I would like to see more united efforts in the region, as there are many opportunities for us to work together. Sometimes it takes more than money to help those in need - a global strategy agreed on by both developing and developed countries is needed. ROTA is planning to hold a Philanthropic Summit here in Doha towards the end of 2008; the goal of this conference is to discuss amongst ourselves the regional issues and encourage the wealthy individuals of this region to get more involved.

|q|Though ROTA has taken up several projects, there still doesn't seem to be a 'connect' with the average person locally. What efforts are on to include the community in your activities?
|a| Many people ask about ROTA's efforts in Qatar. We are developing local projects to reach communities around Doha, which will also increase the community spirit of volunteerism. We are currently running a Ramadan outreach programme, which provides food, supplies and other support to local families in Qatar.  ROTA staff and volunteers will be delivering hot Iftar meals, and other household supplies and appliances, as well as taking part in our Ramadan community service activities at local hospitals and institutions.