WCM-Q students participate in Jusoor Bunyan program in Bosnia

Four Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) students participated in the Jusoor Bunyan trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE).

First-year pre-medical student Abdulla Al-Rawashda, second-year pre-medical student Khalid Al-Marri, and first-year medical students Fatima Marafi and Laila Al-Ansari were among 30 students representing Qatar from Qatar Foundation, Qatar University, Lusail University, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology.

The Jusoor Bunyan program is a youth-empowering initiative that equips Qatari university students with leadership skills, strengthens their national identity, and promotes personal growth. Through international and cultural experiences, the program also fosters cross-cultural awareness and teamwork.

The trip, which took place in July, included leadership workshops, historical and cultural site visits, and international student networking sessions. The students explored Bosnia’s rich history, learned about the devastating impact of the Bosnian War on its Muslim community, and connected with Bosnian university students through meaningful cultural exchange.

The students also took part in dialogues with Bosnian youth as part of the “Beyond East and West: Eurasian Encounters Reimagined” conference.

Sharing her experience, Fatima Marafi said: “Exchanging cultures and perspectives with Bosnian students from diverse academic backgrounds, while forming genuine and lasting connections, was truly invaluable. Visiting projects supported by Qatar highlighted the meaningful bond between our two countries, while learning about the Srebrenica genocide and the experiences of Muslim communities across East and West offered a profound perspective on our shared history, resilience, and identity.”

Abdulla Al-Rawashda said: “Representing our university on the MoEHE’s educational visit was a memorable experience. Through seminars on Islam in Europe and visits to important historical sites, we gained a deeper understanding of identity, resilience, and the importance of dialogue. Attending the July 11 Srebrenica genocide commemoration was a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering history and honoring those affected. The experience strengthened our appreciation for dialogue, cultural exchange, and the importance of preserving historical memory while promoting peace and mutual understanding.”

Khalid Al-Marri said: “I was happy to be among the four selected to represent WCM-Q in the Islam and Muslims initiative conference in Bosnia. During the trip, we met influential figures such as the grand mufti and the ambassador of Qatar to Bosnia.”

Laila Al-Ansari said: “Jusoor Bunyan offered me an enriching intercultural experience, allowing me to immerse myself in the rich history, traditions, and social values of Bosnian culture. It was a truly eye-opening experience, revealing a society that was both familiar and uniquely distinct.”