MERAKI 24
Meraki 2024, held on December 2nd, 2024 was an exciting celebration of creativity, learning, and personal growth. The day began with a vibrant opening ceremony, where FES President Simon Akhtar welcomed attendees and shared the day’s exciting lineup. Society Advisor Khadija Burhan also expressed her strong support for the event, setting the stage for an inspiring and action-packed day ahead.
The first highlight was the panel discussion on “Holistic Development of Students in Higher Education, featuring experts like Eesha Shahid (renowned Psychologist), Ammar Ali Ayub (a successful Entrepreneur) , Dr. Rukhsana Zia (an experienced Educationalist), and Hamail Ijaz (the panel moderator). The panelists emphasized the importance of developing not just academic skills but also emotional intelligence, communication, and self-awareness. They encouraged students to use their university years as a time to explore their passions, take on challenges, and build a well-rounded skill set that extends beyond textbooks. Their insights sparked meaningful discussions on how personal growth and self-reflection play a key role in shaping future leaders.
Following this, Ghazi Taimoor (a renowned TED speaker, educationalist, entrepreneur, and social activist) delivered an interactive seminar on the topic, Learning to Launch. It invited students to rethink traditional education systems. Mr. Ghazi highlighted the limitations of the “banking” model of education and stressed the importance of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-discovery. He encouraged students to embrace curiosity and challenge conventional norms, reminding them that real learning comes from questioning, innovating, and thinking independently. The interactive nature of the session allowed students to engage with the speaker and dive deeper into these ideas, leaving everyone motivated to approach education with a fresh perspective.
In the spirit of unconventional learning, our students embarked on an extraordinary journey into the realm of virtual reality. Equipped with state-of-the-art VR headsets, they explored immersive digital worlds, interacted with virtual objects, and gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in collaboration with OMNILIFE-VR FCCU.
The event also offered fun and interactive experiences that balanced learning with physical activity. One of the standout moments was the Zumba session held exclusively for female students at S-block. The room was filled with energy as participants followed the instructor’s moves to upbeat music, getting their hearts racing and spirits lifted. It wasn’t just about fitness—it was about letting go, having fun, and embracing the joy of movement. The session proved to be a hit, with students leaving feeling energized and motivated to prioritize both mental and physical well-being.
After the spectacular Zumba class, Meraki hosted a heart-warming Talent Hunt/Open Mic, a space for students to showcase their creative talents. The evening kicked off with an inspiring performance by President Simon Akhtar, who shared his poetry, setting the tone for what was next to come. One by one, students took the stage, showcasing diverse talents from heartfelt poems to beautiful songs. The open mic was an uplifting celebration of artistic expression, and the intimate setting created a sense of community, with everyone cheering each other on. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of creativity and self-expression in bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging.
Finally, Meraki 2024 concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony in the esteemed presence of Rector FCCU, Dr. Jonathan S. Addeleton who shared his insights about the event’s theme and appreciated FES for the impactful initiative they took in organizing Meraki 24. In the ceremony, certificates and shields were presented to volunteers and participants, recognizing their contributions to the event’s success. As the event came to a close, everyone left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to continue growing, learning, and pursuing their passions.
