In celebration of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism, the Scientific Division at the Polytechnic College – Al-Qadisiyah, one of the formations of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, organized an awareness seminar entitled “The Role of Education in Combating Violent Extremism and Terrorism and Fostering National Belonging.” The seminar was held under the patronage of the College Dean, Professor Dr. Zaki Mohammed Abbas Bahiya, in collaboration with the Women’s Affairs Unit and the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technologies.
The seminar featured presentations by Assistant Professor Dr. Farah Kamel and Lecturer Israa Abdul-Jaleel, who focused on the importance of education as a strategic tool in combating violent extremism and preventing the spread of terrorist ideologies. They emphasized the role of educational curricula in promoting national belonging, tolerance, and civil awareness.
The seminar highlighted that schools and universities are not merely institutions for imparting knowledge, but are spaces for shaping balanced national identities and instilling human and societal values. It also stressed the importance of training teachers in effective approaches to positively engage students, encouraging critical thinking and distancing them from extremist ideas.
The seminar further discussed the significance of non-formal education programs and workshops aimed at enhancing intercultural dialogue and interaction across different age groups. It also encouraged youth participation in active community engagement and emphasized the role of extracurricular activities in cultivating a sense of belonging and loyalty to the nation.
At the conclusion of the seminar, it was emphasized that combating violent extremism requires concerted efforts between families, educational institutions, and society. It was further noted that investment in education is the cornerstone for building a secure and cohesive society capable of protecting its national values and rejecting all forms of violence.