The Faculty of Education in cooperation with the Scientific Affairs Department and the Centre for Continuing Education, held an awareness-raising seminar entitled “Because You Deserve Life… Not Drugs”. The said event was held under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, the University President, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Iman Sameer Bahiya, the Dean of the Faculty of Education. Additionally, the session was delivered by Dr. Colonel Ala’ Aziz Kareem Al-Ghazali.

The seminar focused on the pivotal educational role of academic institutions in addressing behavioural and social challenges, with particular emphasis on the scourge of drug misuse, which poses a direct threat to both young people and the wider community. The lecturer reviewed the current patterns of the phenomenon locally and globally, outlining the psychological and social factors that may lead some individuals towards substance use, as well as the causes contributing to its escalation and persistence.

The seminar also discussed the consequences of drug misuse, whether on the individual’s physical and psychological health or on the family and community across various dimensions, while underscoring the importance of strengthening early awareness among female students and activating educational and preventive programmes that help protect young people and safeguard them from falling into the cycle of addiction.

It bears noting that this seminar forms as part and parcel of the academic and educational initiatives of the University aimed at enhancing community awareness, reinforcing human values, and addressing the behavioural and social challenges that threaten the stability and cohesion of society. It reflects the University’s commitment to providing a supportive educational environment that nurtures potential, fosters a sense of belonging, and contributes to building a more aware and resilient community capable of confronting emerging challenges.

Translated by Zahra’ Ala’