Community Service

Introduction The English Club is sponsored by the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT), and operated under the guidance of one faculty director and one student leader. The English Club has three primary objectives: English language skills development, community service and supporting higher education.   Recently, the English Club has been extremely active and busy. Due to the sheer volume, scope and variety of worthwhile club events, the English Club news is published in aggregate fashion as follows: Team Up to Clean Up and Green Up Club members conducted a volunteer clean-up day in a public park nestled in the Al-Souda mountains. For several hours the volunteers picked up trash and debris in order to beautify the park. The participants also learned about the benefits of recycling and litter-free environments. Local community members were thrilled with the results, and hope to join the English Club with additional volunteers for future clean-up days. Expanding this program will lead to the beautification of more areas and increased public environmental awareness. School Children Get a Glimpse of University Life One English Club priority is promoting higher education, and it's always helpful to start early. The club, led by director Faisal Alfadhil, recently hosted classes from the Al-Andalus Elementary School and Excellent Education Schools from Abha. Each class toured the university facilities and had the opportunity to speak with university students, faculty members and staff. The grade school students had a lot of fun seeing the university and asking questions.   The purpose of hosting these visits is to show children that universities are safe, supportive and welcoming places. When they reach young adulthood, they may not remember the details of their visit to KKU. But they will likely recall that visiting the university was a positive experience. This will encourage young adults to pursue advanced education once they graduate high school. Electronic Gaming Competition - An Outlet for Stress For several weeks members of the English Club sponsored an electronic gaming competition. The selected game was FIFA 19. More than 60 FLT students competed in the event. After much fierce but friendly competition, FLT student Mohammed Dhafer took first place. The purposes of the event were to give the students a stress relieving break from their rigorous academic obligations, and to promote good sportsmanship. Everyone had a fine time and congratulated Mohammed Dhafer on his hard-won victory. Weekly Coffee Talk at the LEP The English Club established a standing program titled 'Coffee Talk'. Each Wednesday the Club hosts a gathering in the LEP. The purposes of this program are to help students improve their language skills through informal conversations, and short faculty presentations on a variety of language learning topics. These gatherings are also an opportunity for students to socialize and exchange ideas.   Coffee Talk is every Wednesday at noon in the LEP (room A/3/1) at the end of the hall of FLT classrooms. All students are welcome. Refreshments are available. English Club Closing Ceremony for Spring 2019 The English Club has been very busy this Spring. As the semester winds down, the club members took a few moments to look back and reflect upon all of the events and activities conducted during the school year. Therefore, the English Club hosted a year-end review meeting last week.   FLT Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi sponsored the event, with English Club Director Faisal Alfadhil and Student Body English Club President Abdulaziz Dahlan serving as master of ceremonies. In his opening remarks, Dean Al-Melhi commended the English Club members and the club director for all of their hard work. 'Naturally, the English Club helps current FLT students improve their language skills, which is inherently valuable. As highly noteworthy additional benefits, the club serves the community, promotes good citizenship and encourages higher education to young people. We hope to expand the English Club membership to include more of our students and increase community outreach efforts' he said. The Dean further explained that extracurricular activity involvement teaches students to manage their time and broadens their university experience.   The English Club presented a video montage chronicling many of the events that occurred over the last few months. Subsequently, there was an awards ceremony recognizing numerous faculty members who participated in various English Club functions. Current club director Faisal Alfadhil thanked former club director Khalid Al-Qasemi for all of his foundational work with the English Club, and for ensuring a smooth transfer of leadership responsibilities. English Club Answers the Call in Time of Crisis The English Club took on an unplanned community service project in the wake of the New Zealand mosque massacres. Due to this most unfortunate event, there is a shortage of Holy Qurans and other Islamic material in the nation of New Zealand. The English Club has answered the call to help remedy this situation.   The club is working with the Mada Program to collect and transport Holy Qurans, books and related materials to mosques and religious centers on the remote island nation. Electronic Dawah Project (EDPr) Director and former FLT Dean, Dr. Abdullah Abu Eshy, said he knew he could count on KKU and the FLT to help. 'We cannot undo this tragedy, but we will do everything in our power to provide aid and comfort to the families and communities suffering in the aftermath. I am proud of the English Club members for volunteering in this time of need. Their efforts are critical. Our wounded brothers and sisters are far away, but they are not alone' he said. Prof. Abdallah Hady Al-Kahtany, former Dean of Faculty Affairs, explained that the purpose of the volunteer project was to provide books to those who wish to discover and learn about Islam from authentic sources. 'I am happy these young men came out tonight for a noble cause. Our work does not stop here. We will respond to all requests that come our way and play our part in helping to spread the correct message of Islam', said Prof. Al-Kahtany. Conclusion The English Club thanks all of its members for a highly productive year. The club also thanks Dean Al-Melhi, Vice Dean, Dr. Yahya Asiri, and Chairman, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, for their continuing patronage and guidance. The university and the FLT are committed to continuous improvement in academics and ever-expanding social outreach programs. The English Club is an effective means of fulfilling these objectives. The club has an open invitation to students who would like to join and participate in this worthwhile venture. Date: 3/22/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On February 19, 2019, the Faculty of Languages and Translation held a seminar titled 'Translator's Message'. The seminar was organized by the Language Research Center, and the presenters were Hanan Saeed Al-Shahrani and Maryam Faisal Al-Shamrani. The presenters are MA students and volunteers for a program also named 'Translator's Message'. The purpose of the seminar was to raise awareness of the group's goals and objectives within the FLT community.   Translator's Message is an initiative organized by Master degree students in Translation at the FLT female campus. It is an all-volunteer group, which is dedicated to providing in-demand translation services to the community. The participants' motivation is based on their deep passion for translation and commitment to civic improvement.  'Translator's Message is primarily a community service volunteer effort. We are an all-volunteer group of specialized translators who have a message to deliver to non-specialists. In short, we are messengers of translation. The objective is to educate communities about the importance of translation services in daily life. In addition, this translation initiative helps the volunteers improve and sharpen their translation skills. Our initiative supports national objectives as set forth in Vision 2030', said Maryam Faisal Al-Shamrani. In addition, the translation initiative serves as a conduit between various communities and King Khalid University. This is important as there are many other initiatives involving the university and the public stakeholders in the region.   'Our volunteers visit a variety of different people both within and among different communities. Volunteers often visit secondary schools and high schools. In these settings, the volunteers can encourage young people in their international language studies, and convey both the importance and potential career opportunities involving language', said Hanan Saeed Al-Shahrani.   The 'Translator's Message' seminar also focused on the program outcomes they have experienced to date. The presenters expressed that their group is passionate about the benefits of real-world translation. Also, they find that constructive experiences from their volunteer work have made them more confident in practicing their craft. They also expressed their satisfaction in serving members of the public. The presenters made a call to action for additional volunteers in the program. As part of this request, Hanan Saeed Al-Shahrani and Maryam Faisal Al-Shamrani shared the group's current work plan with the attendees.   Please note that this is a follow-up regarding the 'Translator's Message' initiative. For more information, please click here. Volunteers are very much needed, and any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Please contact 'Translator's Message' on their Twitter handle @translatorsKKU. Date: 2/25/2019 Source:  Amal Metwally & Tanzina Halim, Scientific Research Committee – Female Campus

  On February 9th, College of Languages & Translation faculty members Mohammed Jabir and Erich Beer presented a creative writing workshop at Al-Janoub International School in Khamis Mushait. Attendees included many of the school’s students, teachers, and administrators.   Mr. Mohammed Jabir focused his presentation on the general philosophies and approaches to creative writing. He noted that humans are born storytellers. Creative writing is a natural extension of the societal need to inform, inspire and challenge others through stories. Mr. Jabir also reviewed various fictional writing styles, and explained how each type appeals to different audiences.   Mr. Erich Beer focused his time on practical issues in creative writing. He explained how most writers strive and suffer through the creative process. Mr. Beer has been teaching creative writing at the university for years. He offered many tips on ways to overcome common obstacles such as organization, writer’s block, editing and the like.   The workshop presenters thanked Al-Janoub International School for graciously hosting the event and subsequent refreshments. The presentations were well attended, and the participants showed great enthusiasm. Many expressed interest in having additional events in the future. Date: 2-12-2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

Translator's Message is an initiative organized by Master degree students in Translation at the FLT female campus. It is an all-volunteer group, which is dedicated to providing in-demand translation services to the community. The participants' motivation is based on their deep passion for translation and commitment to civic improvement. They utilized this program to raise awareness of the importance of translation while simultaneously sharpening their translation skills in furtherance of their career aspirations. This program began under the tutelage of Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi, the first supporter and advocate for the initiative. The volunteer translators go to both public and private schools to support education and language translation. They are also planning to provide services to a variety of civic organizations such as public ministries, and those projects are currently in the planning stages. The team is working on standardization procedures. This will allow the volunteers to deliver translation services in a highly efficient manner. The aim is to utilize increased efficiency to expand into advanced assistive techniques such as videos, podcasts, electronic Q&A competitions, spelling bees, and bilingual referendums. The team is currently comprised of 11 valued members and growing as follows: Hanan Al-Shahrani (Founding Member); Afnan Yahya (Founding Member); Afrah Al-Jaber; Fayza Al-Ahmari; Ghada Asiri; Maryam Al-Shomrani; Noura Al-Hajla; Noura Al-Shehri; Rahma Al-Ahmari; Shyma'a Hassan; Wasayf Al-Qahtani. Since its founding, Translator's Message has engaged with the public in a variety of events and capacities such as the community service activity on October 18, 2018. Hanan Al- Shahrani, Maryam Al-Shomrani, and Fayza Al-Ahmari delivered a presentation on languages and translation at the Eltamiz Alebday Private School in Khamis Mushait. Al-Shahrani started the presentation by identifying the objectives and the vision of Translator's Message. Then, Al-Shomrani explained why the English language is both relevant and important in Saudi society. Al-Ahmari discussed common mistakes and misconceptions in translation. The team has engaged with the community on other occasions including: On the 30th of October, Noura Al-Shehri and Afrah Al-Jaber visited Zoabaan School for girls in Mohayil; On the 14th November, Rahma Al-Ahmari, Noura Al-Shehri, and Fayza Al-Ahmari visited Al-Abna School at King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait; On the 15th of November, Hanan Al-Shahrani, Maryam Al-Shomrani, and Wasayf Al-Qahtani visited Al-Oula High School in Khamis Mushait; On the 15th of November, Afnan Yahya, Shyma'a Hassan, and Ghada Asiri visited Al-Thamna High School; On the 22nd of November, Shayma'a Hasan visited Al-Thanya High School in Abha. Date: 11-27-2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education collaborated with the Faculty of Languages and Translation to deliver an introductory level short course to primary, secondary, and high school teachers who work for the Ministry of Education.  Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, and Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel, Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education, led the program.  Over the course of 4 weeks, nearly 100 registered participants were deeply engaged in a mix of active lesson types. The practical sessions involved a variety of communicative formats with a focus on grammar and vocabulary that utilized pair work, group work, and class activities. At the end of each week, participants had the chance to test their abilities to use collocations, complex grammar, and discourse markers in a tailored IELTS speaking exam workshop.  Director of the English Language Center, Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Rezgi, Hashim Ali Asiri, lecturer, Khalid Mater Asiri, lecturer, and Hassan Costello, language instructor, delivered the program. Date: 8/12/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education

The Faculty of Languages and Translation launched a community service oriented English language course this Sunday, March 25, 2018, in cooperation with the Abha General Prison. The 6 hours per week month-long course is devoted to providing meaningful learning opportunities for inmates to prepare them for life outside of the correctional facility. Vice Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation and Instructor of the course, Dr. Yahya Asiri, said he decided to set up the program after visiting the Abha General Prison. "Everyone deserves a second chance; we wanted inmates to have practical educational opportunities so that they can successfully integrate back into the workforce after their release and become law-abiding citizens," he said. This story was also featured in the SABQ Online Newspaper. Date: 3/28/2017 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

A training course was recently held at the First Quran Based Intermediate and High School in Abha by the Supervisor of the Community Service Committee at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Ms. Asma Alqahtani.The subject of the training session was "Self-Study of the English Language by Modern Methods." In that training, Ms. Asma Alqahtani introduced students to the online learning resources on the Faculty of Languages and Translation's website that will help further their language studies. She also introduced students to popular mobile phone applications that make studying English more engaging and fun. At the conclusion of the event, Asma trained students on other well-known language learning strategies that they can utilize in their pursuit of learning English as a foreign language. Date: 10/7/1439 Source: FLT Female Campus

At the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT), we believe that students should embrace the process of selecting their university as much as the result. For that reason, we hosted a group of highly motivated students on December 4th from Al-Dhikr High School where they explored the various college options King Khalid University has to offer before they decide which one is the best fit. Visits to the FLT are not a one-size-fits-all approach, as such, students along with their teachers had the opportunity to take part in a personalized guided tour of the campus by the Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, the Vice Dean, Dr. Yahya Asiri, and the Chairman, Dr. Munassir Alhamami. Students of Al-Dhikr High really enjoyed the opportunity to experience the campus first-hand. They were fascinated by the extracurricular opportunities provided by the English Club, the uniqueness of our IELTS Center, the student participation in the LEP, and our state of the art Listening Labs. "We are very pleased to have you with us today. I encourage you to continue your journey on the road to success," said Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean. In like manner, Dr. Yahya Asiri and Dr. Munassir Alhamami echoed Dr. Al-Melhi's comments and encouraged the students to be relentless in the pursuit of knowledge. To conclude, an informational presentation was delivered by Language Instructor, Hassan Costello, where he provided an overview of the FLT and urged students to plan for their future today. Date: 12/4/2017 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: MD Sherajul Islam

The Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted a group of high performing students from Al Manaahal Intermediate School at its main campus on November 13th. Students, along with their teacher, had the opportunity to take part in a personalized guided tour of the campus by the Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, the Vice Dean, Dr. Yahya Asiri, and the Chairman, Dr. Munassir Alhamami. Visiting students were provided with an in-depth understanding of the University's offerings in general and the FLT in particular coupled with a comprehensive tour of the English Club, IELTS Center, LEP, and the Listening Labs. Following after, an inverse Q&A session took place in conference room A/3/151 where students had the opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer conversations and engage the faculty with questions about the University and student life. "You're the future of this great nation. I encourage you to learn English! It is an international language that you will need regardless of your major," said Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean. Correspondingly, Dr. Munassir Alhamami and Dr. Yahya Asiri encouraged the students to aim high in their studies and indicated that attending King Khalid University is a step in the right direction for their future.   Date: 11/14/2017 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: MD Sirajul Islam

Under the patronage of the Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi and supervision of Dr. Muhammed Shuaib Asiri, Vice-Dean for Academic Development & Quality and Dr. Yahya Assiri, Vice-Dean of the College, the E-Learning Unit of the Faculty of Languages & Translation organized a presentation titled,  A Perspective on KKU:  Online International Testing Center by Mr. Rizwan Ghani on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 11:00 am in the E-Learning Training Center A/3/86. Mr. Rizwan Ghani proposed establishing an online International Testing Center (ITC) at King Khalid University for holding international tests like the ACT, CLEP, AP, PISA, ACT, GRE and SAT. Mr. Ghani said that the ITC could help students, professionals, and the public gain access to approved international courses, training, examinations, and entry/admission tests locally as part of quality education, standardized testing and community service in the Asir Region. Mr. Ghani also mentioned that the ITC could help KKU to standardize education, reduce costs for many elements of the testing lifecycle, and support candidates realize optimum convenience by offering tests on-demand and year-round. It also serves to assist accelerated graduation pathways. He also pointed out that digital education and computer-based testing (CBT) may help align high school and university education and testing in KKU and the Asir Region with global standards. As a result, our students will be familiar with them from an early age, and it will enable them to do well in courses, examinations entry, admission tests and jobs at the local and global level. Mr. Abdullah Al-Rezgi, Director of the English Language Center, Mr. Muhammed Jabir Asiri, E-Learning Specialist, and faculty members graced the occasion. Mr. Mohsin Khan, E-Learning Unit Supervisor, and Mr. Rizwan Ghani proposed a vote of thanks to the seminar participants for the insightful feedback and recommendations.  Date: 10-10-2017 Source: E-Learning Unit