In a powerful display of solidarity and humanitarian spirit, Qatar University (QU) concluded a two-day event titled “Gaza: The Nation's Pain and Pride" on its campus. The event, organized by students from the Community Service Learning (UNIV 220) and Leadership, Innovation, and Civic Engagement (UNIV 200) courses, part of the university's Core Curriculum Program (CCP), aimed to raise awareness and support for the Palestinian cause. In collaboration with Qatar Charity, the event underscored the role of volunteerism in building leadership skills and foster community engagement among students.
The event drew significant attendance from both the student body and faculty, reflecting widespread support for the Palestinian people. A range of activities, including a charity auction and a student-organized charity market, were held to encourage involvement and contributions to the cause. These efforts resulted in a substantial total donation of QR 148,773, with an additional QR 22,825 raised through the charity auction.
The event served as more than just a fundraiser. It highlighted QU's commitment to integrating community service principles into its academic framework. As part of the learning outcomes of various programs, students are encouraged to engage in civic activities that contribute to their personal growth, social responsibility, and leadership development.
The overall goal of “Gaza: The Nation's Pain and Pride" was to promote volunteerism and community engagement, particularly among students. These types of initiatives provide a real-world platform for developing leadership, empathy, and teamwork skills, essential elements in the university's broader educational mission. The event was held across two venues, the College of Business and Economics for male students and the GCR building for female students, providing space for all participants to contribute meaningfully.
Dr. Mohammad Al Khojah, UNIV 220 Course Coordinator, spoke about the importance of such events: “This event embodies the spirit of community solidarity among our students and members of Qatari society at large. It is an opportunity to apply community service principles to important humanitarian issues."
Dr. Ola Shadid, the UNIV 200 Course Coordinator, highlighted the event's role in shaping a proactive youth community, saying, “We are proud of our students' commitment to national issues. Such events highlight the role of youth in building a conscious and proactive community that seeks to achieve positive change."
Ms. Nesreen Koffa, UNIV 220 Lecturer and Auction Co-Organizer, remarked, “We felt great support from students during this event, as the charity auction was an opportunity not only to raise funds but also to enhance the spirit of giving and participation among students."
Jasem Fakhro, an engineering student, shared his motivation for participating, stating, “My presence today at the event is part of my support for the Palestinian cause. Such events reaffirm the concept of Arab and Islamic solidarity and that all Muslims are one nation."
English Literature Student Shahd Al-Mraikhi stated, “My classmates and I participated in this event with a booth through which we raised awareness of the Palestinian cause. The booth featured a mural where students expressed their support of our brothers in Palestine, particularly Gaza. We also welcomed financial and in-kind support for the Palestinian cause."
Al-Mraikhi emphasized the importance of volunteering, as it has strengthened the value of giving among her and her classmates, transitioning from a state of individualism and self-interest to a state of volunteerism and community service.
The event "Gaza: The Nation's Pain and Pride" forms part of a broader series of activities initiated by QU to support humanitarian causes and promote civic engagement among its students. By actively involving students in these causes, QU not only provides them with the practical tools for leadership and civic responsibility but also affirms its role as a key player in promoting social responsibility and community service.