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About Best Buddies

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization established in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. The mission of Best Buddies is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies Qatar is the fortieth branch among the branches of Best Buddies worldwide, which currently stand at 46 branches. Best Buddies Qatar is one of the most prominent initiatives in the social advancement of individuals with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities aiming to enhance their lives, end their social isolation, and integrate them into society. Best Buddies Qatar was established in 2008 as an initiative under the umbrella of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities and Qatar Social Work. It works to end the social isolation of individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities and integrate them into various aspects of public life.

Did you know ?

The iconic Best Buddies logo that features two individuals in an embrace was donated to Best Buddies in the late 1980s from legendary pop-artist, Keith Haring.

Best Buddies Qatar is branch number 40 between 46 other Best Buddies branches worldwide.

We adopt the values of Qatar Social Work in delivering the following values to our targeted population:

Confidentiality
Partnership
Professionalism
Responsibility

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Founding of Best Buddies – Qatar

2008 more

Organized a specialized seminar titled: "Social Integration of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: Between Reality and Aspiration", with the participation of all local relevant entities

2013

Launched the Best Buddies Ambassadors program

2014 more

Activated Social Sports Activities focused on organizing sports events through a partnership between individuals with disabilities and those without disabilities

2015

Launched the Sahem Program, a leadership program for youth members aimed at empowering them to manage volunteer activities in the field of integrating people with disabilities

2016

Entered into an agreement with "Ooredoo" to support the programs and activities of Best Buddies Qatar

2017

Launched a comprehensive skills development program for individuals with disabilities aimed at enhancing the social, professional, and vocational skills of members (21 years and above) to prepare them for post-graduation

2017

Supported the employment of 7 individuals with intellectual disabilities

2017

Launched the promotional film for the Best Buddies initiative in 2019: With official support and sponsorship from the Qatar Financial Centre.

2019

The Champions Tour

2020

Organizing an outing event

2021 more

Friends and More Art Exhibition

2022 more

Reunion event under the slogan "Let's See Each Other Again"