For the past eight years, the Autism Awareness Community Project has remained a significant initiative within the academic activities of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Tishk International University. Continuing this tradition, a special event was organized on May 2026 to mark World Autism Awareness Day as part of the Autism Care and Awareness Community Service Project, which seeks to promote awareness, understanding, inclusion, and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while contributing to community well-being and social responsibility The Autism Community Service Project is coordinated by a committed team of students and staff members who gather at the start of each academic year to develop plans, organize activities, and establish project goals. In support of the Faculty of Pharmacy Community Service Projects, students from the Faculty of Pharmacy actively participated in food fundraising activities on December 2025 and the IDCB food fundraising event on May 2026 to collect funds for various community service projects. The Autism Care and Awareness Project were one of the major initiatives supported through these fundraising efforts, reflecting the students’ dedication to compassion, social responsibility, equal opportunities, and community engagement
In April, representatives from the Faculty of Pharmacy Administrative Office visited the Erbil Autism Centre to monitor the progress of the children receiving training and to identify the center’s current needs. The visit reflected the faculty’s ongoing dedication to supporting the center and its students. As part of these efforts, the Faculty of Pharmacy organized a special celebration on May 14, 2026, at the Autism Centre in recognition of Autism Awareness Day. Funds raised through the initiative were used to provide essential supplies and meaningful gifts for the students at the center, aiming to support their educational needs while also expressing care, inclusion, and encouragement.
During the event, students and faculty members engaged with the children through a variety of enjoyable and interactive activities, including face painting and other recreational games. The experience left a strong emotional impact on everyone involved and emphasized the importance of empathy, compassion, and community involvement. The Faculty of Pharmacy intends to continue organizing similar outreach activities in the future to further strengthen the relationship between the university and the autistic community. The success of this 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 community. Special appreciation was also extended to all organizers, staff members, and students whose active participation, dedication, and collaborative efforts contributed significantly to the success of the event and the positive impact it created within the community.
