Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), organised its sixth annual Family Day for students of Education City and their families recently. The celebration, coordinated by the HBKU Student Affairs team in collaboration with HBKU’s partner universities, is designed to engage and encourage students to explore the variety of opportunities available in Education City.
The event, held at the HBKU Student Center, saw participation by HBKU’s partner universities: Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ), Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and Northwestern University in Qatar. Qatar Foundation’s Academic Bridge Program was also represented. The universities allowed parents and students to interact and speak about learning both inside and outside the classroom.
“Family Day is not only a great way for families to learn about their student’s day-to-day life here in Education City,” said Melissa Winter Jan, Assistant Director of Campus Life at HBKU, “but it is also an opportunity for students to further introduce to their families their community within Education City. With events that illustrate the academic exploration and knowledge growth that our universities are known for, and recreational activities that allow students and their families to create wonderful memories here together, this is one of our most widely enjoyed events.”
Families were invited to participate in a chili cook-off, hosted by TAMUQ, and to challenge each other on an obstacle course and carnival games organised by the HBKU Sports and Games Club. There were also raffle prizes and the opportunity to partake in the HBKU Student Center’s bowling alley and arcade for younger visitors.
Commenting on the event, Mohammed D Fakhro, Campus Life Officer at HBKU, said: “HBKU Family Day is one of multiple efforts by HBKU and its partner universities to engage with the families of the Education City student body. What makes this day unique is that it showcases the learning that takes place when students are engaged as active participants in their college experience. There are multitudes of opportunities available to students here regardless of which university they attend. We hope that this day will shed some light for family members on how far their sons and daughters have come, as well as continuing to encourage them to branch out even more.”The Peninsula
