Sulaimani, Iraq – July 6, 2012 – Last week, the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) hosted two Youth Civics Camps organized by the Iraq Foundation (IF). The camps brought over 100 students from around the country to AUIS for a week of intensive civics training. The training aimed to help participants build a skill base in important subjects like leadership, volunteerism and civic duty.

"The Iraq Foundation is an important tool for the betterment of Iraqi society," said AUIS President, Dr. Athanasios Moulakis.  "We're delighted to host them again as we have in years past.  And we look forward to strengthening our relationship with them as they strengthen tomorrow's leaders."

At the beginning of each session, AUIS students took IF participants on a campus tour, after which they enjoyed a dinner where the whole group was able to discuss their university experiences, as well as their personal backgrounds and interests.  This is the third year AUIS has hosted IF’s Youth Civics Camps. IF participants stay in the AUIS dorms during their visit to Sulaimani in addition to spending each day on campus, giving them unique insight into life at AUIS.

About the Iraq Foundation

The Iraq Foundation is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization. The Foundation was established by Iraqis in 1991 as an independent, non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-ethnic organization. Their mission is to promote democracy, human rights and civil society in Iraq. Click here to visit their website.

About the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani  

AUIS is Iraq’s only private, non-profit university.  The mission of the university is to provide advanced academic programs at international standards of quality in higher education for the professions and general education.  Academic programs, taught in the English language by international faculty members, are designed to meet or exceed accreditation standards set by regional accreditation organizations in the United States.  

It is the objective of the University to produce graduates of responsible character with the necessary knowledge and skills for professional and national leadership.  Students are prepared for successful careers in a modern, democratic, pluralistic society and in a global environment.  The educational program of the university is designed to develop strength in critical thinking, the ability to communicate well, a strong work ethic, good citizenship and personal integrity.  Broad-based education, rooted in the American liberal arts tradition, as well as skill development is achieved at the University through teaching excellence, quality scholarship, and caring student services. 

The core values of the university are freedom and responsibility, democracy, free expression and inquiry, equal opportunity, individual rights, tolerance, and honorable personal and professional behavior.  These values apply equally to all members of the university community, including students, faculty and staff members, administrators, persons invited to participate at the university, and members of the board of trustees and advisory bodies.  The university is, by design, an institution that is non-governmental, non-partisan, nonsectarian, independent, not-for-profit, and guided by the highest ethical standards.  It is committed to integrity and the rule of law in all of its dealings with public officials and private interests.  Academic freedom is a principle guaranteed in teaching, learning, and research in a manner identical to that found at regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States. The university does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, occupation, politics, economic standing, or any other common human demographic factor in its admission of students or administration of the University or its policies. 

For more information:

Kyle Long, Director of Communications & Institutional Development, +964 (0) 771 026 8263, kyle.long@auis.edu.iq

For Kurdish speaker: Bzhar Ali, Media Specialist, +964 (0) 770 152 1893, bzhar.ali@auis.edu.iq

For Arabic speaker: Diyar Abubakr, Media Specialist, +964 (0)771 195 4205, diyar.abubakr@auis.edu.iq