For the past seven years, the Autism Awareness Community Project has been an integral part of the academic year at Tishk International University (TIU)’s Faculty of Pharmacy. As part of this ongoing commitment, a special event was held in April 2025 to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day. This event was a key component of the Autism Care and Awareness Community Service Project, which aims to enhance understanding and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Key Project Initiatives
The Autism Community Service Project is led by a dedicated team of students and staff who meet at the beginning of each academic year to plan activities and set goals.
On February 26, 2025, the team organized a major food fundraising event. This initiative successfully brought together students, teachers, and community members to promote autism awareness and raise essential funds. The collective efforts and collaboration within the Faculty of Pharmacy were crucial to the success of this event.
In April, a delegation from the Faculty of Pharmacy’s Administrative Office visited the Erbil Autism Centre. The purpose of the visit was to observe the progress of the trained children and assess the center’s needs, reaffirming the faculty’s commitment to providing continuous support.
Impact and Celebration
The Faculty of Pharmacy was proud to organize a special event on April 24, 2025, at the Autism Centre to celebrate Autism Awareness Day. The funds raised were carefully utilized to purchase critical supplies and thoughtful gifts for the students at the center. This gesture was intended to provide essential tools while also demonstrating genuine care and support for their well-being and inclusion in society.
During the visit, students and teachers spent quality time with the children, participating in a variety of fun, interactive activities such as face painting, which was a popular choice. The experience was profoundly touching for everyone involved, highlighting the importance of empathy, compassion, and active community engagement.
The Faculty plans to continue these vital outreach activities in the future, with the primary goal of strengthening the bond between the university and the autistic community. This entire project was made possible through the continuous support of Dr. Abdulsamad Salahuddin, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Dr. Mohammed Javed Naim, Head of the Pharmacy Department, and the wider university.
Keywords: Autism Awareness, Community Service, Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Students, Faculty, Fundraising, Social Responsibility, Erbil Autism Centre
