Under the patronage of the Dean of the College, Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmed Roudhan Salman, and under the supervision of the Head of the Women’s Affairs Unit at the College, Professor Dr. Thanaa Bahaa Al-Din, the College of Education held an educational awareness workshop on the International Day of Families, which is observed annually on May 15. The workshop featured the participation of Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmed Roudhan, Professor Dr. Thanaa Bahaa Al-Din, and Assistant Lecturer Shadan Salah Shibr. They spoke about this occasion, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1994, dedicating a special day to families in recognition of the family as the fundamental building block of any society. When the family thrives, society prospers; and when it weakens, morals and the future of society are negatively affected. The International Day of Families aims to: • Raise awareness about the role of families in societies. • Highlight the challenges facing families, such as poverty, disintegration, and violence. • Encourage governments and communities to support family stability. The central message of the International Day of Families is: “A strong family = a strong society.” This day is not merely a symbolic celebration, but rather an opportunity for everyone to reflect on important questions: • Do we give our families enough time? • Do we protect them from the pressures of life and the negative effects of technology? • Do we strengthen the bonds of love and respect within the family? The speakers also presented examples of successful family models, including: • The cooperative family: where each member has a role (the father works, the mother cares and plans, and the children study and help at home). • The communicative family: where members talk openly instead of hiding behind phones. • The forgiving family: where members know how to forgive and apologize, and do not allow minor disagreements to grow. The workshop also highlighted the major threats facing families today, including: • Digital distraction: each family member isolated with their phone. • Economic pressures: parents overwhelmed with work, reducing communication time. • Changing values: a decline in mutual respect among family members. • The absence of positive role models within the home. Celebrating this day does not require extravagant parties or expensive gifts. Instead, simple meaningful activities can strengthen family bonds, such as: • Sharing a meal together without screens. • Holding family discussions where both children and adults participate. • Completing a shared activity such as planting a tree or creating a family artwork. • Visiting relatives, grandparents, uncles, and extended family members. • Preparing a family tree to strengthen children’s sense of belonging. In conclusion, a heartfelt message was delivered to all attendees: The International Day of Families reminds us that true happiness is not found in money or fame, but in the warmth of home, a mother’s smile, a father’s words, and the laughter of siblings. Let us begin with a small change today: turn off our phones, talk to one another, hug our children, and ask forgiveness from those we may have wronged. The family is not merely names on a family tree; it is the first school, the first love, and the first homeland. A call to all: “May 15… Family Day… Let us build and nurture the homes we cherish.” The workshop was attended by a number of the college’s academic and administrative staff members. The event was held at 10:00 a.m. on the ground floor of the Humanities Building at the college campus. This activity falls within the framework of the Iraqi National Strategy for Women 2026, specifically the fourth: Social Development of Iraqi Women – Prevention and Protection Pillar. It also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being Goal 4: Quality Education #College_of_Education #AlMustaqbal_University