On October 15, 2024, the seminar hall at Cihan University Sulaimaniyah came alive with creativity and purpose as students from the English department, with support from their peers in the General Education department, presented a thought-provoking play titled “Say No to Violence!” The production featured two acts, each addressing the stark contrast between lives marked by violence and those filled with peace and happiness.
The script, penned and directed by Poshya Sttar, a sophomore from the English department, effectively conveyed the emotional weight of living in a violent environment in the first act, while the second act offered a hopeful vision of life free from such turmoil. This engaging performance aimed to raise awareness and foster dialogue about the importance of non-violence in our communities.
Complementing the play, seniors from the English department created informative posters that detailed various forms of violence—including physical, psychological, verbal abuse and domestic violence. These visuals reinforced the play’s central message: to stop violence wherever and whenever it occurs.
The event was attended by academic staff, as well as prominent university leaders, including Professor Dr. Omed Rafiq Fatah, the President of the University, and Assist. Professor Dr. Sadat Abdullah Aziz, the Vice President for Scientific Affairs. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the university’s commitment to addressing social issues.
The day’s activities were supervised by Ms. Tafan Kamal Kareem from the English department, with overall management provided by Dr. Aras Abdalkarim, head of the department. Their guidance ensured that the event was not only a creative success but also an educational initiative that resonated with the audience.
This impactful performance exemplifies Cihan University’s commitment to student engagement and social responsibility, highlighting the vital role that students play in advocating for change within their community.