As part of the ongoing Interpersonal Dynamics and Character Building (IDCB) course at Tishk International University (TIU), students from the Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics brought joy, inspiration, and physical activity to local children through their project titled “Empowering Youth through Sports at Laya Basic School.”
Conducted on April 28, 2025, this heartwarming initiative focused on promoting health, teamwork, and confidence among young students through organized sports activities and donations of sports equipment.
Bringing the Spirit of Sports to Underserved Schools
The students selected Laya Basic School, a modest school located outside central Erbil, where children have limited access to extracurricular activities and recreational programs. Recognizing the transformative power of sports, the team organized football matches, relay races, and simple coordination games that allowed every student to participate.
The university students also donated essential sports items, including footballs, cones, jump ropes, and team vests. These gifts were not just tools for play—they were symbols of encouragement and inclusion.
“The kids were so excited. Some of them had never played on a proper field before,” said project member Zana. “It was amazing to see them smile and run around freely.”
The project highlighted how sports can teach more than just physical skills. The children learned teamwork, self-discipline, leadership, and resilience—core values also emphasized in the IDCB course.
TIU students took on the roles of coaches and mentors for the day, offering praise, motivation, and guidance to help boost the confidence of even the shyest children.
Keywords: Sports, Students, Education, Community, Empowerment, Charity, Laya Basic School
