Seven Bethlehem University students — six from the Department of English and Communication (Faculty of Arts) and one from the Department of Midwifery (Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences)— proudly represented the University at the Global Student Symposium organized by the Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East Uniservitate Hub and hosted virtually by the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in Germany on 23 October 2025.
The symposium, held under the theme “Service-Learning in a Fragile World: Students Nurturing Peace and Hope,” brought together students from Catholic and Lasallian universities across different regions to share their experiences and reflections on service-learning as a transformative educational approach that fosters civic engagement, solidarity, and global responsibility.
Bethlehem University students were selected through a competitive process to present their projects, which were integrated into academic courses led by Ms. Fatima Hammad Madany from the Midwifery Department, and Mr. Ramzi Asali and Mr. Layth Awwad from the Department of English and Communication. These service-learning initiatives were conducted in partnership with reputable international organizations and institutions such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Italian NGO Educ-Aid, the University of Montana (USA), and others.
During their presentations, the students reflected on the constraints and challenges they encountered while implementing their projects amid the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza and the humanitarian crisis unfolding there. They shared how, despite these hardships, they managed to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and service, embodying the spirit of resilience, empathy, and hope. The students highlighted how their service-learning experiences empowered them with a stronger sense of agency, civic responsibility, and intercultural understanding in times of great adversity.
Notably, the Bethlehem University team was featured in the opening session of the symposium, a remarkable recognition that underscores the academic excellence and social commitment demonstrated by the students and their mentors.
Bethlehem University continues to stand at the forefront of service-learning in the region, integrating academic learning with community engagement to form students who are competent, compassionate, and committed to social transformation.
