Students from the Department of English Visit the Finnish International School on the Occasion of the International Day of Non-Violence
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, as part of its commitment to academic outreach, the second-stage students from the Department of English at Cihan University-Erbil visited the Finnish International School to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Marwa Mahmood Ameen.
They were warmly received by Ms. Taban Dilshad Mohammed, the school principal, who expressed her appreciation for this educational initiative. This visit aimed to strengthen ties between educational institutions and exchange expertise in promoting human values. The visit program included rich and diverse segments, most notably a specialized educational seminar on “The International Day for the Elimination of Violence.” During the seminar, students discussed the concept of violence in its various forms, its negative repercussions on individuals and society, and methods of prevention. The seminar was followed by a poignant poetry recital, where students delivered inspiring poems to their eighth-grade counterparts, focusing on the importance of establishing principles of peace and social harmony, and emphasizing the pivotal role of tolerance and mutual respect in building conflict-free societies. The poetic recitals conveyed profound messages and lofty meanings, embodying universal values such as lasting peace, social cohesion, rejection of hatred, and the necessity of mutual respect between individuals and cultures, clearly reflecting the true spirit and noble objectives of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence. These presentations had a profoundly positive impact on the audience, touching the hearts and minds of the school students and inspiring them to adopt peaceful approaches to conflict resolution and in their daily interactions, thereby contributing to the development of a conscious and responsible generation.
To complement the awareness program, the students visited the Finnish Kindergarten. This strategic step aimed to instill the seeds of awareness regarding peaceful practices and disseminate a culture of peaceful coexistence from early childhood. This visit was not merely a fleeting event but a comprehensive educational experience that deepened the students’ understanding of issues related to peace and violence, and encouraged them to become ambassadors of peace in their communities.
The seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which participants asked questions about the poems, followed by an exchange of ideas between the students of Cihan University-Erbil and the Finnish International School. The supervising lecturer praised the students’ efforts, stating, “Your initiative reflects the true spirit of peace and collaboration.” A group photo session captured memorable moments for everyone involve.