Continuing their mission to make a meaningful difference in society, students of the Interpersonal Dynamics and Character Building (IDCB) course at Tishk International University (TIU) launched a deeply emotional and impactful project titled “Hearts in Action: Giving Hope to Thalassemia Warriors.”
Focused on empathy and human connection, this initiative involved visiting Thalassemia patients, particularly children, at local hospitals in Erbil. Conducted on April 20, 2025, students brought with them more than just gifts—they brought companionship, encouragement, and joy to patients undergoing long-term treatment for this serious genetic blood disorder.
Thalassemia patients often endure frequent hospital visits, painful transfusions, and lifelong medical management. For many, the psychological toll can be as heavy as the physical burden. Recognizing this, the students crafted a project designed to uplift spirits through emotional support and interaction.
They visited the Thalassemia Hospital in Erbil with gift bags, hand-written letters, toys, and handmade cards featuring motivational messages and drawings created by fellow university students.
“We saw more than just illness—we saw resilience, strength, and dreams,” said project coordinator Niyan. “We didn’t go there to feel pity. We went to celebrate their courage.”
One of the most moving aspects of the project was how personalized everything was. Students decorated the hospital rooms with colorful posters and heart-shaped balloons and spent time talking and playing with children who were admitted.
Some students performed short stories or magic tricks to make the children laugh, while others read aloud from books or helped patients create simple drawings.
Keywords: Students, Charity, Volunteerism, Community, Social Responsibility, Thalassemia, Hope
