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The ceremony was attended by Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Yahya Istaiti, along with members of the University staff, a large group of student volunteers, representatives of partner and collaborating institutions, the Student Union Council, and the Student Youth Movement.
Dr. Istaiti emphasized that volunteer work is a noble mission that the University is committed to promoting among its students, given the values of responsibility, belonging, and giving that it fosters, as well as its role in strengthening students’ connection to the needs and issues of their communities. He noted that the importance of the Basira Initiative is particularly significant given the group it targeted: children from families displaced from refugee camps, who are among those most in need of psychological and emotional support under the current circumstances, as well as safe spaces that foster a sense of security and stability.
Dr. Istaiti commended the efforts of all participants, volunteers, and institutions that contributed to the success of the initiative. He also expressed his appreciation to the Palestinian Student Support Fund (PSSF) for launching the initiative and providing students at Palestinian universities with opportunities to develop initiatives that create tangible community impact.
For his part, Initiative Coordinator Mr. Khalil Abu Alaba emphasized that one of the key objectives of the Deanship of Student Affairs is to foster initiative-taking among students and develop leadership skills that enable them to create positive change in their communities. He called for Basira to serve as a starting point for further student initiatives and volunteer activities. He affirmed that the Deanship welcomes students’ ideas and initiatives, while commending the support provided by different University bodies and external partners. He also thanked the Student Union Council and the Student Youth Movement for their role in supporting the initiative and contributing to its success.
Basira Team Leader, student Jawad Qabalaawi, affirmed that the initiative was not launched merely to compete, but stemmed from a genuine desire to create tangible community impact and demonstrate that university students can take initiative, carry a message, and play an active role in their communities. He noted that Basira’s first-place achievement resulted from collective effort and strong collaboration among the team, volunteers, and supporting organizations. He added that the achievement was a source of pride for the team, as it contributed to raising the profile of Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie and representing it honorably among Palestinian universities.
Qabalaawi also expressed his appreciation to the University for embracing the initiative, as well as to the Palestinian Student Support Fund, the Student Union Council, the Student Youth Movement, and the partner institutions. He particularly commended the support of Initiative Coordinator Mr. Khalil Abu Alaba. He stressed that the true achievement goes beyond winning first place; it lies in the team that the initiative brought together and the impact it created. He affirmed that Basira will continue building on what it has achieved in the next phase.
Speaking on behalf of the volunteers, student Abdullah Taama emphasized that participating in Basira went beyond completing volunteer hours and became a meaningful human experience that left an impact on both the volunteers and the children. He noted that the experience helped students develop a stronger sense of responsibility and teamwork. While winning first place among Palestinian universities was a source of pride, he said, the most important achievement was the impact the initiative had on the children and the knowledge and human experience gained by the volunteers themselves.
The ceremony featured a video presentation highlighting the journey of the Basira Initiative, its main activities and milestones, and the results it achieved. Several team members also shared their experiences of participating in the initiative, reflecting on its personal and human impact and the skills and experience they gained in volunteerism, teamwork, and community service.
The ceremony concluded with the honoring of Basira Initiative volunteers, along with the presentation of appreciation shields to the partner and supporting organizations: the Public Relations Committee of the Security and Civil Establishment, the Popular Committee for the Services of Nur Shams Camp, the Popular Committee for the Services of Tulkarm Camp, the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the Student Union Council, and the Shuweika Sports Club Community Association. The honors recognized their contributions to supporting the initiative, participating in its activities, and enhancing its community impact.
It is worth noting that the Basira Initiative won first place among Palestinian universities in the Leadership and Giving Competition launched by the Palestinian Student Support Fund. The initiative primarily targeted children from families displaced from Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps through a range of psychological, social, and educational support activities and programs, in addition to interactive and creative activities designed to provide children with a safe and supportive environment and enhance their ability to interact and express themselves.