The Catholic University in Erbil welcomed a delegation from the Chaldean American Association for Health Professionals (CAAHP) in a visit that went beyond ceremony. It was a moment of reconnection — between abroad and homeland, between health professionals abroad and young students at home, and between vision and opportunity. The visit not only brought scholarships for seven medical students, but also opened new channels for academic cooperation and knowledge exchange in health sciences.
“This visit from CAAHP was essential,” said Fr. Dr. Karam Shamasha, Provost of CUE. “It provided scholarships for seven students from the medical department and opened the door for further collaboration in many vital fields of education and health. This aligns with CUE’s outreach mission, strengthening our partnerships with international professional associations, expanding scholarship opportunities, and promoting knowledge exchange.”
Scholarships and Commitment
For CAAHP members, the scholarships represented more than financial support; they were a declaration of solidarity. Neda Khenaya, a nurse practitioner and board member of the association, explained how the idea began modestly but quickly grew. Initially, funds were raised for one year, but after meeting the students and hearing their stories, the association expanded its commitment to four years, covering multiple students. Within days, additional funds were secured through family and community contributions.
“Education is power,” she reflected. “If we can help even a little with education, that is the best investment. This is our land, our homeland, and we must continue to build our communities here.” For Khenaya, who left Iraq during the war, returning to Erbil carried personal meaning. “For the first time, I truly felt at home.”
A Bridge Between Communities
The delegation members spoke of their desire to build a bridge — not just in education, but in identity. Steve Abdel described the visit as a chance for young Chaldeans in the U.S. to connect with their heritage and, in turn, support students in Iraq who are striving for excellence. He praised the progress CUE has made since its founding, noting its growth in students, faculty, and facilities.
That sense of bridge-building was echoed by younger members of the delegation. Brendan Abdaal, a physical therapy student from Wayne State University, emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer connections, envisioning exchanges between students in Iraq and the United States. Touring the architecture studios and pharmaceutical labs, he was impressed by the innovation and the collaborative spirit on campus. “What struck me most was the close-knit environment. Even in America, there are not many universities with such a favorable student–teacher ratio.
”For Alana Kistu, a pre-medical student, the visit affirmed the university’s high standards. “The school is very advanced and up-to-date — even more advanced than some universities back home,” she observed.
Professional Support and Shared Purpose
The delegation also included experienced professionals like Dr. Musab Shafiq, a specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterology from Detroit. For him, the visit was both professional and cultural. “The purpose of our visit is to build a medical bridge between America and Kurdistan, especially for our young people who are Chaldean but living in the U.S. We want to reconnect them with their homeland, teach them about the culture and way of life here, and introduce them to their people.” Touring CUE, he described the university as remarkable in its design, technology, and academic environment.
Looking Ahead
The CAAHP visit was more than an institutional partnership; it was an act of community. By combining scholarships, mentorship, and professional engagement, the delegation demonstrated the power of the Chaldeans around the globe to strengthen educational opportunities in Iraq. For CUE, the visit reinforced its commitment to serving as a hub where local ambition meets international expertise, ensuring that students are not only supported in their studies but connected to a wider world of knowledge and opportunity.