RHU hosted a highly engaging UNESCO Story Circle Workshop on November 14, facilitated by RHU Professor in the Languages and Liberal Arts Unit, Dr. Najwa Fares. The session brought together undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to explore the power of storytelling, empathy, and intercultural dialogue.
For two hours, participants engaged in structured story-sharing activities designed to strengthen intercultural competencies, foster social cohesion, and encourage human connection. Through reflective storytelling and deep, uninterrupted listening, students gained new insights about themselves and others.
The workshop included warm-up exercises, a shared story circle focused on experiences of belonging and inclusion, and a reflective debrief discussing lessons learned from one another. Participants reported gaining stronger empathic listening and communication skills, greater self-awareness through personal reflection, a sense of unity, comfort, and shared humanity, as well as enjoyment from the safe and supportive environment created by the Story Circle method.
The session concluded with students sharing one word or phrase that captured their personal takeaway; many chose words like empathy, connection, understanding, self-reflection, and sharing perspectives.
This workshop reflects Rafik Hariri University’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences that promote dialogue, inclusion, and intercultural understanding among its students.