On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, students from the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Cihan University-Erbil spread cancer awareness in Erbil Bazaar under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein. The initiative aimed to inform the public about the importance of early detection, cancer risk factors, and the role of nutrition in cancer prevention.
The students engaged with shop owners, visitors, and passersby and handed out brochures containing key information on common types of cancer, symptoms to watch for, and lifestyle changes that help reduce the risk of developing the disease. Additionally, the brochures explained the impact of smoking, processed foods, obesity, and lack of physical activity on cancer development. They also highlighted the benefits of consuming antioxidant-rich foods, maintaining a balanced diet, and leading an active lifestyle to support overall health and reduce cancer risks.
This awareness campaign allowed students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, actively contributing to public health education. It also provided them with an opportunity to enhance their communication and outreach skills while making a positive impact on the community by promoting cancer awareness and prevention strategies.
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein, a group of third-year students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil presented a seminar at the Department of Business Management and the College of Administration and Finance, Salahaddin University. The seminar, titled The Role of Nutrition in Stress Management, was attended by the students and lecturers of the department, highlighting the significance of the topic in academic and professional settings.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly received by the head of the Business Management Department, who introduced them to the attendees and expressed appreciation for their efforts in promoting health awareness. During the seminar, they explained how nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, B vitamins, and antioxidants play crucial roles in reducing stress and improving mood. They highlighted the negative effects of caffeine overconsumption, processed foods, and sugar spikes, which can contribute to anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. The seminar also emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, hydration, and mindful eating in managing stress levels.
To make the session more interactive, they guided the audience through practical techniques for reducing stress through nutrition, including meal planning for sustained energy, choosing stress-reducing foods, and the role of hydration in mental clarity. They also discussed how gut health influences emotional well-being, emphasizing the connection between the gut and the brain. The presence of lecturers in the audience contributed to insightful discussions, as they shared their perspectives on stress management in professional and educational environments. The seminar concluded with an open Q&A session, where attendees asked about healthy dietary habits to enhance focus, improve sleep quality, and maintain emotional balance under stressful conditions.
This seminar provided the attendees with valuable insights into the connection between diet and stress management, equipping them with practical tools to improve their well-being through nutrition. It also gave the Nutrition and Dietetics Department students the opportunity to enhance their public speaking and communication skills, while encouraging future professionals to adopt healthier eating habits for mental resilience and overall success.
On Monday, February 17, 2025, a group of fourth- and third-year students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil carried out voluntary health activities at 11 Azar School under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein. The initiative aimed to promote health awareness among young students aged 11 and 12 years through health assessments and an engaging educational seminar.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly received by Miss Asaye Khasro Othman, the school director, who expressed appreciation for supporting student health education. As part of the activity, they conducted Body Mass Index (BMI) tests for the teachers and students. They also explained simply and interactively how weight and height are related to overall health and growth and encouraged students to develop healthy habits to support their physical well-being.
Following the BMI assessments, they presented a seminar titled The Importance of Proper Posture for Growing Bodies. It focused on how sitting, standing, and carrying school bags correctly can prevent back and neck pain and improve overall posture. Additionally, they demonstrated the correct sitting posture while studying, how to hold backpacks to avoid strain, and simple exercises to strengthen posture muscles. They also explained how bad posture habits, such as slouching while using phones or sitting for long periods, can cause long-term issues.
This voluntary activity provided young students with essential knowledge on maintaining good posture in a fun and engaging way. It also gave university students valuable experience in community health education, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge while developing their communication and leadership skills in promoting healthy habits for children.
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a group of third-year students from the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Cihan University-Erbil conducted a seminar at Sava Private School. The seminar, titled Effects of Excessive Mobile Phone Use, was conducted by Nutrition and Dietetics students under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly received by Miss Khanda Faraidun, the school director, who expressed appreciation for their efforts in raising awareness among children.
During the seminar, the students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics explained how prolonged mobile phone use can affect eyesight, posture, sleep quality, and concentration in school. They discussed the risks of excessive screen exposure, including digital eye strain, reduced physical activity, and difficulty in social interactions. The seminar also emphasized the importance of balancing screen time with outdoor activities, proper study habits, and face-to-face communication.
To make the session interactive, the students engaged the audience with practical tips on reducing screen time, setting screen-free zones, and using mobile devices responsibly. The session concluded with a discussion in which the students shared their own experiences with mobile phone use and asked questions about maintaining a healthier balance.
This seminar provided the young students with valuable knowledge on managing mobile phone use in a way that supports their health and academic success. It also gave the university students an opportunity to enhance their public speaking and communication skills, while encouraging the younger students to adopt healthier digital habits for a more balanced lifestyle.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, a group of fourth-year students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil presented a seminar for young students at Polla Basic School. The seminar, titled The Power of Positive Thinking, was delivered under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly received by Miss Shaima Mohammed, the school director, who expressed appreciation for their efforts in promoting important life skills among the school students. During the seminar, they explained how positive thinking can boost confidence, reduce stress, and improve academic performance. Additionally, they discussed the impact of self-belief, gratitude, and resilience in handling difficult situations. They also highlighted how substituting negative thoughts with encouragement can lead to better decision-making and stronger relationships.
The session concluded with interactive activities, where the school students practiced positive affirmations and shared personal experiences of overcoming obstacles with a positive mindset. Furthermore, the seminar provided them with ways to develop a positive attitude and approach life’s challenges with optimism in practice. It also allowed university students to enhance their communication and leadership skills while inspiring the school students to cultivate a growth mindset.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, a group of fourth-year students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil presented an educational seminar at Rizgary High School under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein. The seminar, titled The Effects of Nicotine on Memory and Academic Performance, aimed to raise awareness among the students about the negative impact of nicotine consumption on brain function, learning ability, and overall cognitive performance.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly received by Mr. Shamal Mohammed, the High School Director, who introduced them to the attendees and expressed appreciation for their efforts in addressing an important health topic. During the seminar, they explained how nicotine affects brain development, reduces concentration, and impairs memory retention, leading to difficulties in studying and lower academic performance. They also discussed the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and other forms of nicotine consumption, emphasizing how these habits negatively influence attention span, stress levels, and sleep quality.
The session was interactive, allowing the students to ask questions and engage in discussions about common misconceptions regarding nicotine use and its perceived effects on attention and relaxation. In the end, they provided practical advice on how to avoid nicotine addiction, manage stress through healthier alternatives, and improve cognitive function through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil organized a health awareness campaign at Sami Abdulrahman Park under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein.
A group of fourth-year students participated in the initiative, providing visitors with valuable health information and conducting several medical tests. These tests included blood sugar level measurement to assess the risk of diabetes, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment to evaluate body weight status, and blood pressure monitoring to detect potential hypertension. Additionally, they performed oxygen saturation (SpO2) tests to assess respiratory health and waist-to-hip ratio measurements to determine fat distribution and its association with cardiovascular risk.
Throughout the campaign, the students actively engaged with park visitors, offering insights into proper nutrition, the risks of an unhealthy diet, and the importance of regular health check-ups. They also provided practical advice on preventing lifestyle-related diseases through balanced eating habits and physical activity.
The campaign attracted a large number of attendees who took advantage of the free health screenings and consultations. Many participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the significance of such community-based activities in raising public health awareness.
At the end of the event, the students and Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and the role of proper nutrition in maintaining overall well-being. They encouraged the public to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and undergo regular medical check-ups to prevent health complications.
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, second-stage students in the Department of Graphic Design conducted an awareness campaign as part of Cihan University – Erbil’s efforts to raise public awareness. The campaign was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Saja Abdulhadi.
The awareness campaign aimed to reduce speeding on Erbil’s streets and encourage drivers to adhere to traffic laws.
The advertisements stood out for their creative and engaging designs, as students utilized illustrations and simple texts to effectively convey their messages to different age groups. The campaign highlighted the importance of obeying speed limits, warned about the dangers of excessive speeding, and provided tips and guidelines for safe driving.
The participating students expressed their pride and enthusiasm in contributing to this campaign, which was part of an academic project. They emphasized the vital role of graphic design in delivering awareness messages in innovative and impactful ways that influence public behavior.
As part of Cihan University-Erbil’s commitment to supporting humanitarian and community-based activities, the Graphic Design Department organized a field visit to the Emirates Autism Center on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, joined by second-stage students from the same department under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Saja Abdul Hadi.
During the visit, the students distributed gifts to the children, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and happiness. Moreover, they participated in the activities at the center and interacted with the children in the Music Room and Sports Hall, which helped create a unique blend of recreational and educational experiences for the children.
The delegation from Cihan University-Erbil was welcomed by Mr. Shaman Jumaa Nader, the center’s director, who expressed his gratitude and appreciation for this humanitarian initiative. He highlighted its contribution to providing psychological and social support to the children and fostering collaboration between educational institutions and community organizations.
This initiative reflects the Graphic Design Department’s commitment to promoting values of generosity and community engagement among its students, shaping them into socially aware individuals capable of contributing to building a cohesive and harmonious society.
On April 23, 2025, a special event for Deaf Awareness Week was held at the Hewa Institute for the Deaf in Erbil, with the participation of media students from Cihan University-Erbil. The event was attended by government officials, educators, and local community figures.
The event began with the national anthem, “Ey Reqib,” performed in sign language by deaf students from the Hewa Institute. This was followed by a special song presented in sign language by an artistic group from Cihan School College.
Deaf students showcased a collection of artistic works and eye-catching paintings in an exhibition, reflecting their creativity and talents. Additionally, media students actively participated in organizing the event and assisting the deaf students during their artistic presentations. As part of the event, media students also presented gifts and sweets to the deaf students as a gesture of appreciation and solidarity.
Deaf Awareness Week is observed during the third week of April to honor the rights of the deaf community and raise public awareness. Established in 1957 by the World Federation of the Deaf, this occasion is officially celebrated in many countries, including Iraq. Throughout the week, various activities such as conferences, artistic performances, and cultural programs are held to promote awareness of deaf rights and their role in society.
