Students from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) went on a learning educational service trip earlier this month to conduct research and gain a better understanding of refugees and what they must endure in light of the ongoing conflict.
The 18 students were accompanied by two HBKU representatives. Over the course of six days, the delegation visited numerous sites, interviewed refugees and orphans, and provided humanitarian relief to those in need. The trip was facilitated by the Education Above All Foundation and Qatar Charity.
Faisal Al-Mohannadi, senior student engagement supervisor at HBKU who led the trip, said that one of their primary goals was to expose the students to global conflicts through personal and humanitarian exposure.
Our students have heard about these conflicts; they have read the news and watched the footage – however, we believe it is just as critical to their educational process to provide them with the opportunity to experience these situations first-hand. Much is to be learned in this process, and our students will use this learning experience to probe, analyse, and present recommendations through their theses and dissertations on ways to alleviate overall suffering.’
More than 1,000 food baskets were provided to the needy throughout the trip. The delegation also worked with HBKU Press to distribute children’s books and promote literacy and love for reading among the children.
The students and their supervisors also took part in site seeing and expeditions within the city of Jarash and the governorate of Al Batra. Other areas visited by the students included cancer-treatment centres and Madraset Insani for humanitarian relief. Clothing banks and school developmental projects were other integral aspects of the trip.
The most rewarding aspect of this trip to Jordan, according to College of Science and Engineering student Saleh Al-Horr, was seeing smiles on young faces.
We witnessed first-hand how important it is to help fund these educational programmes, which cater to the needs of displaced refugees. We left Jordan with unforgettable moments and life-long impressions, which we will continue to cherish as we return home.’
On the final day of the trip, the delegation was warmly hosted by the Qatar Embassy in Amman, as they described their experiences and offered tokens of appreciation to Engineer Abdulaziz Mohammed AlSadda, the embassy’s counselor in Jordan.
Every year, students from HBKU volunteer to assist underprivileged communities around the world. Through personal engagement, HBKU volunteers acquire a first-hand understanding of the multi-faceted challenges faced by people who are living in critical need of basic shelter, healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, education, and economic development.
As a member of Qatar Foundation, HBKU is committed to providing an inclusive and comprehensive learning environment for its student body. To find out more, visit hbku.edu.qa.