Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) is a Qatari non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in November 2005.

ROTA operates within the framework of Qatar Foundation - a private non-profit organization founded in 1995. Qatar Foundation is built on the principle that a nation's greatest resource is the potential of its people, and it aims to develop that potential internationally through a network of centers devoted to progressive education, research and community welfare. 

ROTA's mission is to extend that assistance into Asia - where it's strategic geographic location gives it a unique opportunity to support its neighboring countries as they overcome developmental difficulties.  In addition, more than 60% of Qatar's own expatriate community is of Asian origin, giving ROTA added insight and understanding of the needs and cultural norms of the Asian people. 

20 January 2009: United Nations Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations granted Reach Out To Asia a “Special Consultative Status” with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). 

 

OBJECTIVE

ROTA supports the Education For All ideal and believes that every man, woman and child across the Asian continent, regardless of age, gender or circumstance, should have access to quality education. In order to help them achieve this, we are committed to help them in reaching some of the six EFA goals: 

1. To expand early childhood care and education

2. To ensure free primary education by 2015

3. To promote learning and life skills for young people and adults

4. To improve adult literacy by 50 percent by 2015

5. To eliminate gender disparities by 2015

6. To enhance educational quality 

 

HOW WE HELP

ROTA has joined the global effort to achieve basic, quality education for both primary and secondary school children throughout Asia and the Middle East - helping local communities overcome major obstacles to the education that can ultimately lead to a better quality of life in Asia. 

Their approach focuses on promoting and investing in access to quality education and in the development of human resources, in close partnership with local and international communities. They apply the following tactics to accomplish our goals: 

- Understanding the needs of local communities before offering solutions

- Collaborating with communities to ensure program support and sustainability

- Empowering youth to become leaders in society

- Promoting cultural dialogue and fostering a sense of unity

- Employing cutting-edge technology to facilitate programs

- Connecting universities within the region

  

Seven of the least developed and poorest countries in Asia have been identified as ROTA priorities for 2006 - 2008: 

Afghanistan	Bangladesh	Cambodia	Indonesia
Lebanon	Nepal	Pakistan

 

In each of our chosen countries, we will build or adopt schools; promote female education; improve the quality of primary health care; initiate academic fellowships; coordinate student exchange programs; provide teacher and vocational training; and connect participating countries through a shared Knowledge Network.