Medical students deliver sexual health educational workshop in Arabic for refugee children

Two medical students from the MD graduate-entry programme (GEMD) have delivered a culturally sensitive, age-appropriate sexual health educational workshop in Arabic for refugee children at a Nicosia shelter, demonstrating the practical application of medical education in community service.

GEMD 2030 student Christina Daoud and GEMD 2029 student Abdel Rahman Fadel volunteered to conduct the workshop on 17 November as part of the UNIC Health Charity Club’s ongoing partnership with the shelter.

Recognising that many of the children speak Arabic as their mother tongue, the students adapted their presentation to ensure the content was both linguistically accessible and culturally appropriate. They delivered the entire session in Arabic, creating a safe and engaging environment where children felt comfortable asking questions.

‘Both students immediately recognised how valuable this session could be for the children and stepped forward without hesitation. They prepared thoroughly and demonstrated exceptional maturity in handling this sensitive topic’ said the president of the UNIC Health Charity Club, MD 2026 student Prakriti Sachdev.

The workshop required extensive preparation, including translation of materials into Arabic. MD 2028 student Julia Sophie Stenz, serving as the club’s secretary, coordinated the translation work and accompanied the volunteers to the site whereas MD 2028 student Maryam Ejaz, the club’s treasurer, handled planning and logistics.

The adviser of the club Dr Vicky Nicolaidou from the School of Life and Health Science, supervised the project and attended the workshop to provide additional support. Following the workshop Dr Nicolaidou said: ‘The success of this workshop highlights how medical students can contribute meaningful support to vulnerable populations whilst gaining valuable experience in health communication and cultural sensitivity’.

The UNIC Health Charity Club has been working with the refugee children’s shelter for the past year, reflecting a broader commitment to community engagement among medical students.