Female students of the Department of Chemistry turned the corridors of Umm Al-Qura University into chemical laboratories, showcasing their scientific skills in turning theoretical concepts into fun practical experiments, as part of the activities of Arab Chemistry Week, organized by the department for the third year in a row. The event had 13 awareness corners, informing female university staff of the importance of chemistry in various health, medical and criminal aspects, in addition to its many uses in industry, cosmetics and food.

The student Asmaa Hashim thought that participating in organizing the event and presenting the awareness program is a message that should be communicated to the students to introduce them to the available natural resources, and the means of investing environmental waste in the production of new consumable materials. In addition, it fosters increasing knowledge outcomes and consolidating scientific concepts through the exchange of experience between students and academic staff members.

The student Suha Zarad added, “Through this exhibition we corrected the concepts and beliefs circulating among the university community about chemistry, which some describe as a boring course whose importance does not extend beyond the classroom and laboratory settings. We have embodied its vitality and interactions with the environment, and its role in handling criminal cases and exploring the details of the case through chemical solutions.”

The Vice Dean of the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Tahani Bawazir, clarified that the Social Responsibility Committee affiliated with the department is keen to hold interactive and unique events and corners. This is demonstrated by this event, which included the chemistry of colors, coffee, fun, and a chemical cinema. Such events contribute to consolidating knowledge and raising the awareness of the female students and visitors of the exhibition from among the high school female students, who expressed their wish to join this department in the future.

The Vice Dean of the College of Applied Sciences, Dr. Rajaa Ma`touq, stressed the role of activities in enhancing the students’ self-confidence and equipping them with the skill of presenting projects in a smooth and clear way for visitors to the exhibition from inside and outside the university, taking into account different cultures. In addition, she touched on getting ideas inspired by natural resources, and transforming them into concrete experiences for everyday life.

Dr. Rajaa Ma`touq also stated, “Female students have full capacity to activate programs and ensure their success. This is what the corners of the exhibition ‘You Are All Chemistry’ witnessed, through interaction of visitors and their response to students while introducing them to chemical projects and experiments. It also directed a message to their peers, urging them to continue in the specialization through their presentation of theoretical concepts simplified and innovative ways.”