Podar Pearl School in Qatar has become the first and only institution in the country to achieve full membership in Round Square, an international network of over 300 schools across 50 countries. The school’s induction as a Round Square Global Member marks a significant milestone in its commitment to character education, experiential learning, and global collaboration.
Round Square’s educational approach emphasizes the development of student character through active learning, leadership, service, and international exchanges. Podar Pearl School’s formal membership was announced during the Round Square International Conference (RSIC) 2026, held at Barker College in Sydney, Australia. The school had been a Round Square Candidate since 2025, and following a successful evaluation process, it was welcomed as a permanent member at the conference.
Dr. Muhamed Nizar, president of Podar Pearl School, described the achievement as a proud moment for the entire school community. He highlighted Round Square’s focus on academic development alongside fostering compassion, leadership, and a global perspective. “We are grateful to the Round Square community for welcoming us and look forward to representing Qatar with pride on the global stage,” he said.
Representing the school at the RSIC 2026 conference was a six-member student delegation comprising Grade 12 students Sanjana Nalluri, Shraddha Rani Ajith, Divya Mukesh Thawani, Anokhi Pooduturi, and Tanay Sanghvi, along with Grade 11 student Maria Saqib Qadri. They were accompanied by the school’s Round Square Coordinators, Rathi Ramanujam and Neethu Panicker, with Dr. Nizar also attending the opening proceedings.
The conference, centered on the theme “Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land,” featured a variety of activities including group discussions, cultural exchanges, environmental projects, service initiatives, and adventure-based learning. It provided a platform for students and educators from diverse countries to collaborate, share perspectives, and build intercultural friendships.
Looking ahead, Podar Pearl School anticipates hosting members of the Round Square community in Doha, enhancing opportunities for local students to contribute their cultural insights and experiences to the global network. The school’s advancement from Candidate to Global Member within a year underscores the dedication of its students, faculty, and leadership to integrating international standards of education and character development.