On November 26th, 2024, the Dean of Students’ Office at the Faculty of Dentistry, Tishk International University (TIU), organized a significant visit to support four underprivileged families in the Bnaslawa region of Erbil.
This initiative is a continuation of an ongoing charity project that commenced last year during the month of Ramadan. The families, initially identified and visited in 2023, were re-engaged through a dedicated local facilitator who has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts for both this year and the previous one. Over a two-month period, donations were diligently collected to address the pressing needs of these families. A detailed plan was developed to ensure the assistance would be impactful, focusing on covering rental fees, settling rental debts, providing essential food baskets, and offering pocket money for daily necessities. A total donation of 2,700,000 Iraqi Dinars (IQD) was successfully collected and distributed among these families.
In preparation for the visit, the Dean of Students’ Office actively involved students in the project to enhance their understanding of community challenges. Students participated in the visit to gain firsthand insights into the families’ situations, fostering empathy and heightened social awareness.
All four families visited face severe hardships, including orphaned children and caregivers struggling with debilitating illnesses. During the visit, students and staff members compassionately inquired about the families’ needs and meticulously documented their observations to inform future charity initiatives. The project, which began its current phase in early September, successfully concluded on November 26th, 2024, unequivocally demonstrating the Faculty of Dentistry’s steadfast commitment to social responsibility and sustained community support.
Keywords: Community Service, Humanitarian Aid, Student Engagement, Social Responsibility, University Outreach, Philanthropy, Erbil, Tishk International University, Charity
