Bridging theory, social responsibility

The Department of Social Sciences undertook a series of student-led and departmental initiatives aimed at bridging theoretical learning with practical community engagement between October and December 2024.

These efforts reflect the department's commitment to cultivating socially responsible graduates equipped with both academic knowledge and civic awareness. The 'Giving and Recognition Campaign' (November 5 – December 4, 2024) exemplified student leadership in social outreach.

This month-long initiative mobilized volunteers to visit local care homes, fostering intergenerational connection and empathy. The campaign not only provided companionship to elderly residents but also offered students firsthand experience in community service and ethical engagement.

Complementing this effort was the "Na'addel Al Nafsiya" (Adjust Your Mind) Campaign, a large-scale departmental initiative designed to challenge prevailing societal misconceptions about mental health.

Through targeted awareness programs both within the college and in the broader community, the campaign played a transformative role in destigmatizing mental health issues. In addition to educational outreach, the campaign incorporated a donation drive and a beach cleaning activity, underscoring the moral and environmental values embraced by the department's stakeholders.

In alignment with the department's pedagogical philosophy, which states that effective education must integrate theory with practice, a series of workshops and training sessions were organized during the Spring Semester. These sessions aimed to equip students with essential skills to advance their academic and professional trajectories. Notably, several workshops were conceptualized and delivered by students themselves, demonstrating their capacity for leadership, public speaking, and social analysis. These student-led sessions addressed societal concerns and were hosted in local schools, thereby extending the department's impact beyond the campus. The workshops included:

• 'Depression and Its Effects' at Ufeifa Al Ya'ariyah School (October 31, 2024)
• 'Mental Health Awareness' at Najia bint Amir Al Hajriya School (November 7, 2024)
• 'Promoting Students' Mental Health' at Stal Primary School (November 10, 2024)
• 'Promoting Students' Mental Health' at Salma bint Qays Primary School
• 'Advancing Applied Learning and Mental Health Awareness: A Semester of Impact in the Department of Social Sciences'