AUK Students Celebrate National and Liberation Day

In celebration of Kuwait's National and Liberation Day, AUK students organized a series of activities to mark the special occasion. The AUK campus celebrations were covered by KTV2, through which AUK students delivered statements of greetings to the Kuwaiti community and His Highness the Amir of Kuwait.

The kickoff event of the day was the Student Government Association's (SGA) "National Anthem" gathering. AUK students gathered in the garden area to sing in unity the national anthem of Kuwait. The event was a call to take a moment of reflection on the meanings and connotations of the national anthem. With the last verse, students released helium balloons carrying the colors of Kuwait's flag (black, green, red and white) in cheerful atmosphere. "The event was well-managed and efforts of planning were evident. I definitely look forward to more events celebrating Kuwait's patriotism," said AUK student and entrepreneur Abdulrahman Al-Sultan. In the meantime, Fouz Al Khunaini, AUK student and SGA Secretary, thought that "The national anthem is a nation icon without which the celebrations would not be complete; the feelings that filled the place as the students sang in one voice were overwhelming."

Images from the National Anthem event

On another corner, the AUK Finance Club celebrated the occasion through bringing the history and traditions of Kuwait to life. Their event, "Kuwaitna", included a historical timeline of key events in Kuwait's history, live traditional music, and a "diwania" style corner set-up under a huge flag of Kuwait. The atmosphere attracted many students who gathered around a huge wall banner to write their comments, greetings, and thoughts of the day.

Farah Majed Al Ajeel, President of the Finance Club expressed her "warmest wishes for a happy Liberation Day to all the Kuwaiti people and to the students of AUK." She added, "On this occasion I'd like to highlight our pride with this youthful energy that lies within the young generation that contributed to the success of this event. I would also like to thank Dr. Farah Al-Nakib, without whom this event wouldn't have been a success"

Images from the Finance Club event

The AUK community has always been keen to create a festive atmosphere throughout the month of February through campus events, flag decorations, and student themed activities. "I think that Kuwaitis should be proud of their country and their non-jingoistic love of their country; they bring a refreshingly healthy and balanced pride of their country. It puts a smile on my face," said AUK faculty member and newcomer to Kuwait, Steven MacAulay.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 21st February 2013

Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013