The Role of Higher Education and Community Projects in Personal and Social Development

By:Shiyan Mahdi Abdulrahman

Cihan Academy- University of Cihan-Duhok

This article explores my educational journey at Cihan University-Duhok, studying English, and the community-based reading project I developed. It discusses the motivations behind my choices, the challenges encountered, and the insights gained. Through both the academic way and this project, I aimed to enrich my skills as a reader and writer, as well as inspire a culture of reading in public spaces. This study highlights the vital role of education and community engagement in personal and societal growth.

The Foundation of My Journey:

Choosing the right university is a critical step in shaping one's future. I chose Cihan University-Duhok, not only because of its academic reputation but also because of its strong emphasis on student respect and its highly organized study system and advances Prof. In addition to my studies, I launched a project to promote reading within my community. This combination of education and community work became a unique journey of growth and self-discovery.

Why I Chose Cihan University-Duhok:

At Cihan University-Duhok, the environment was shaped by mutual respect between students and faculty. In a university setting, such respect fosters a positive, motivating learning environment. Cihan University also offered a systematic approach to learning in the English department, which allowed students to develop critical skills progressively. This structured environment made me feel confident in my studies and was an ideal setting to develop my language abilities, especially in reading and writing:

-Student Respect and Empowerment: Students were encouraged to think independently and respect different perspectives.

-Quality of Education and Resources: The curriculum in the English department was well-rounded, including literature(poem), grammar, composition, and critical analysis. Each of these areas helped me become more skilled and gave me the tools I needed to pursue my project.

Development of the Reading Project:

Promoting Literacy in Public Spaces

While studying,I became inspired to start a project that could contribute to the community. The project was based on the idea of increasing access to books by setting up small bookstores in some areas like barbershops, parks, and schools. My aim was to provide people with a chance to read in unexpected places, hoping that this would encourage them to develop a habit of reading.

-Collecting Books and Building Community Support:I reached out to friends, family, and community members, collecting books for this purpose. This grassroots approach not only gave me the resources I needed but also raised awareness about the importance of reading.

-Challenges in Gaining Institutional Support: Despite the project’s community focus, gaining governmental support has been difficult. While some community members were enthusiastic, official recognition was limited. However, this did not discourage me; it highlighted the importance of self-reliance and determination when pursuing a cause.

Challenges:

Financial and Logistical Struggles

Both my educational journey and the reading project faced financial challenges. Balancing the costs of renting an apartment and paying for my studies was difficult. While I managed to meet these needs, they taught me resilience and financial management. Similarly, the project’s lack of governmental support meant I had to be creative in finding resources and support from other sources. This experience helped me become more resourceful, resilient, and determined.

-University Financial Challenges: Living independently during university, I had to manage rent and academic expenses with limited resources. This experience strengthened my resolve and taught me essential budgeting skills.