Maple Tree Organization’s Colorful Campaign Continues: Cihan University–Erbil Commends the Initiative

The Maple Tree Organization, established by a group of young individuals and including volunteer students from various stages and departments (Business Administration, Medical Microbiology, Media and Biomedical Science) at Cihan University–Erbil, recently launched a campaign to beautify the walls, bridges, and buildings of Erbil. In this context, Cihan University–Erbil commends the organization’s efforts in managing the campaign.

On Thursday, October 23, 2025, Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Pirdawood, Head of the Business Administration Department, representing Professor Dr. Amjad Sabir Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University–Erbil, participated in the Maple Tree Organization’s campaign, which is currently focused on beautifying the Erbil Club stadium. As part of this effort, many unsightly slogans on the walls were removed and replaced with images of several famous Erbil Club players, the Kurdistan flag, and approximately 25 images of ultras, along with inspiring slogans to support the Erbil Club.

During the visit to the campaign, Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar emphasized the importance of the organization’s work, highlighting the crucial role of universities in supporting environmental programs that benefit society. He added that participation in such initiatives aligns with the vision and mission of Cihan University–Erbil. He then commended the organizers of the Maple Tree Organization for undertaking these voluntary environmental activities aimed at serving and developing the community. He also mentioned that student involvement in such initiatives fosters a stronger sense of community development, responsibility, and awareness.

Finally, the campaign organizers praised the participation of Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar, reaffirming their commitment to continue working to improve Erbil’s environment.

Volunteers

# Image Name Duration Credits
1 Cihan University – Erbil Cihan University – Erbil 3 90
2 Hawkar Qasim Pirdawod Hawkar Qasim Pirdawod 3 90

On Monday, December 28, 2025, Rizgar Salih, a third-stage student in the Media Department at Cihan University-Erbil, discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by university students during a television program on Speda Satellite Channel.

The program, Amroy Speda, dedicated one of its segments to ‘The Use of Artificial Intelligence by University Students’. For this segment, the channel invited Rizgar Salih to share his insights. At the beginning of his talk, he stated: Artificial Intelligence is not entirely new, but it has now become widespread, especially among students, as it is a highly supportive tool that can provide significant benefits in education.

He added, Artificial Intelligence complements human work and advances society, but we must not forget that it cannot completely replace human jobs and professions.

Later, Rizgar Salih noted: University students should make the most of AI’s features, but they must not let it replace their own critical thinking. At university, we have various tasks and responsibilities; it is normal to use AI as an assistant to gather information or manage time. However, we must not rely entirely on it to complete all our tasks, as this could ultimately harm our academic and scientific development.

Regarding lecturers’ perspectives on students’ use of Artificial Intelligence he pointed out that many allow it, provided it is used correctly and within certain limits, so that students benefit rather than suffer harm. He also mentioned that many lecturers guide students on how to use AI effectively and responsibly.

In his concluding remarks, Rizgar emphasized that students must stay updated and aware of contemporary technological changes. Since the current era is known as the age of Artificial Intelligence, he stressed that it is essential not to remain ignorant of these advancements.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, on the occasion of Flag Day, the Department of Media at Cihan University–Erbil organized a field activity at Milli Market in the Newroz neighbourhood, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Ahmed Jamal Hama Karim.

The activity was participated by students from both the first and second stages of the Department of Media. During the activity, the students distributed Kurdistan flags and informational brochures to citizens at Milli Market in the Newroz neighbourhood of Erbil city. The brochure content included information about the Kurdistan flag and its components, as well as the history of raising the Kurdistan flag for the first time by Peshawa Qazi Muhammad. In addition, the brochure referred to the 2009 decision of the Kurdistan Parliament, which designated December 17 of each year as Flag Day.

The purpose of the activity was to commemorate Flag Day, raise public awareness about the history and symbolism of the Kurdistan flag, and foster loyalty and national identity among citizens. These aims reflect one of the main objectives of the Department of Media in organizing this meaningful activity.

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Media Department at Cihan University–Erbil launched an intensive two-day training workshop on the university campus for students from various academic levels. The sessions focused on helping students envision their professional future and discussing modern methods and mechanisms that enable them to enter the rapidly developing and highly competitive media job market with confidence and competence.

The Media Department also welcomed Mr. Manaf Mubarak, Director of Projects at the German DW Network, in an academic visit aimed at enhancing students’ professional capabilities and connecting theoretical knowledge with international field experience.

During the sessions, Mr. Mubarak devoted a substantial portion of the sessions to technical and practical training. He provided students with a detailed explanation of the DPA application, demonstrating how to use it effectively as a tool for journalistic work and news coverage. This reflects the university’s commitment to equipping its students with the latest digital tools used in major international media institutions, ensuring the development of a media generation that is both knowledgeable and technically proficient.

At the end of the sessions, the Media Department expressed its gratitude to Mr. Mubarak for his time and dedication to the students. The department remains committed to opening doors to international media centers and providing more opportunities for students to enrich their journalistic experience.