A Welcoming Day for the New Sudanese Students at the Faculty of Medicine Helwan University

Under the patronage of Prof. Rasha Refaie, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Prof. Samah Bastawi, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs, and with the supervision and support of the Associate Prof. Fatma Elkhamisy, the Director of the International Students Unit at the faculty, the presence of Associate Prof. Hebat Allah Amin, a member of the unit and the Director of the Information Technology and E-Learning Unit at the faculty, Mr. Majid Musa, the Secretary of the International Students Unit at the faculty, and the senior Sudanese students in the faculty, the Faculty of Medicine celebrated the newly joined Sudanese students by a welcoming day filled with familiarity and joy, on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

The day started with a speech by Prof. Rasha Refaie, the Dean, who welcomed new and old students and stressed her support for international students and her keenness to overcome difficulties they face. She also encouraged them to engage in the learning environment and participate effectively in academic study and activities as well. She also expressed her appreciation to the exchange of experiences between old and new students and the role of the International Students Unit at the faculty in the coordination and communication between the administration and students and supporting them in their academic journey. In the end she wished all students success.

This was followed by a speech by Prof. Samah Bastawi, Vice Dean of the Education and Student Affairs, who praised the desire of old students to help their colleagues in the first year and stressed the importance of attending the college and students’ participation in the student activities practicing their hobbies in addition to studying. She also encouraged them to participate in competitions that highlight their various talents and represent the college in various events and wished them a happy academic journey until graduation.

The Associate Prof. Fatma Elkhamisy, Director of the International Students Care Unit introduced new students to the unit structure and communication means with it. She also praised the efforts of Sudanese students in the senior academic years to celebrate and support their colleagues, have fun time with them, and help them with their academic challenges. She stressed that this volunteer work also contributes to the development and improvement of the personal and professional skills of senior students, besides supporting their new colleagues.

The Associate Prof. Hebat Allah Amin, a member of the unit and Director of the Information Technology and E-Learning Unit, gave the students an overview of the role of the Information Technology and E-Learning Unit at the college, and explained the use of the official university email and the privileges it provides on many platforms. She also introduced the students to the services provided by the Egyptian Knowledge Bank to support their learning and scientific research, how to benefit from them. She also described the coordination between the two units to support the international students.

The older Sudanese students at the college welcomed the administration and guests from the faculty members and new students and presented various day segments. They exchanged academic experiences with them, where the senior students with outstanding academic achievement presented their experience in studying methods to their colleagues and urged them to attend regularly. Students also shared their positive experiences in joining student activities and the scientific medical association at the faculty. The ceremony included many entertainment segments and various competitions prepared by the students for their colleagues who gave them in-kind gifts. The senior students demonstrated distinguished presentation, organization, dialogue management and motivation skills.

Many newly joined Sudanese students attended the welcoming day. They expressed their happiness and benefit from exchanging experiences with their colleagues. They participated in the activities and competitions and asked questions regarding the senior colleagues’ experiences in studying methods and time management.