Education for the SDGs in the Wider Community
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) extends SDG-related education beyond its enrolled student body through dedicated educational outreach activities for alumni, local community members, and displaced people and refugees. Through workshops, training programs, public lectures, community-based educational activities, school outreach, and partnerships with external organizations, GUST shares knowledge and skills that support sustainable development, inclusion, lifelong learning, and community capacity-building.
During the academic year 2024-2025, these activities reached different segments of the wider community and addressed themes including education, digital skills, employability, social inclusion, innovation, health, sustainability, and community development.
Wider Community at a glance
Audiences reached: Alumni, local community, and displaced people
Activity types: Workshops, training, school outreach, public lectures, educational programs
Delivery: On campus and beyond campus
Relevant SDGs: SDG 4, SDG 10, SDG 17 and others depending on the activity
Alumni Education and Lifelong Learning 2024-25
GUST extends educational opportunities beyond graduation by regularly sharing training, professional development, and further-study opportunities with its alumni community. Through the Alumni Office, graduates are informed of programs that support continued learning, employability, and professional growth.
In January 2025, GUST alumni were invited to apply for the NBK x CODED Full-Stack Developer Bootcamp, an intensive training program covering programming foundations and full-stack development. The program provided graduates with an opportunity to strengthen practical digital and technology skills while also creating pathways to potential employment.
GUST also encourages continued academic development among its graduates. In December 2025, the Alumni Office circulated an exclusive MBA offer for GUST alumni, supporting graduates who wish to continue their formal education and professional development through postgraduate study. These are just couple of examples among several other opportunities given to GUST students.
Alumni Education and Lifelong Learning 2023-24
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) maintains a strong and dynamic connection with its graduates through the Alumni Office, which serves as a hub for professional growth, lifelong learning, and community engagement. In alignment with SDG 17.4.3: Education for the SDGs in the Wider Community, the University’s alumni initiatives are designed to extend the reach of sustainability education and leadership development beyond campus, empowering graduates to continue driving positive change in their professional and social environments.
Through a variety of educational events, mentorship programs, and industry networking opportunities, GUST encourages its alumni to remain actively engaged in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A key initiative in this effort is the GUST Alumni Board Meeting, where alumni leaders and university representatives collaborate to discuss strategies for sustainable career growth, community participation, and innovation in their fields. These gatherings foster the exchange of knowledge, promote ethical business practices, and strengthen alumni contributions to national and regional development.
Below are the alumni that were part of the board meeting in 2024:
|
# |
Name |
Graduation Year |
Job Title / Workplace |
| 1 | Ebraheem Almuaili | 2019 | Senior DevSecOps Officer / KIB |
| 2 | Shirin Abdelqader | 2019 | RPA Team Lead / KFH |
| 3 | Raghad Alobaid | 2020 | Automated Systems Developer / PIFSS |
| 4 | Mariam Zhairi | 2022 | Partners Operations Specialist / Huawei |
| 5 | Aya Alrifai | 2022 | Senior Officer – IT User Access Control / Burgan Bank |
| 6 | Ahmad Aldabagh | 2023 | Project Manager / Gate 7 Group |
| 7 | Reem Almatroud | 2010 | IT System Analyst / Kuwait Oil Tankers Company |
| 8 | Yousef Khateeb | 2023 | Programmer / AI Jal |
| 9 | Nezar Alayoubi | 2020 | Senior Data Analyst / Boubyan Bank |
| 10 | Abdulrahma Murie | 2022 | Software Engineer / Markode |
| 11 | Lulwah Aldyouly | 2022 | UX/UI Design Developer / KFH |
Local Community Outreach
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) actively contributes to community development through outreach initiatives that bridge academic learning with real-world social impact. In alignment with SDG 17.4.3: Education for the SDGs in the Wider Community, these programs foster collaboration between the University, industry partners, and local institutions to promote inclusive education, skill development, and sustainable growth.
STEM and Digital Innovation Outreach
In 2024-2025, GUST welcomed school students and young learners to educational activities that provide practical exposure to science, technology, engineering and innovation. Through visits to the GUST Fab Lab, participants engage with technologies such as 3D printing, robotics and digital fabrication, gaining hands-on experience and learning how technology can contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions.
Communication and Skills Development
In 2025, GUST faculty and students delivered communication-skills workshops for school students, focusing on interpersonal communication, academic skills, confidence and leadership. These activities support inclusive learning and youth development beyond the University’s enrolled student population.
School and Career Outreach
In November 2025, GUST visited New English School to provide high school students with guidance on university pathways, emerging academic fields, career opportunities and skills required for future study and employment.
High School Journalism Conference
As part of GUST’s educational outreach to the wider community in AY 2024-2025, the Mass Communication and Media (MCM) Department conducted a High School Journalism Conference for secondary school students at a local high school.The conference introduced students to key concepts and practices in journalism, media communication, news reporting, responsible media use, and professional communication, providing them with direct access to academic expertise beyond the university campus.Through interactive discussions and educational sessions, GUST faculty engaged high school students in exploring the role of journalism and media in society while helping them develop greater awareness of communication, critical thinking, and responsible information sharing.By delivering educational activities directly within schools, GUST extends its academic expertise to the wider community and supports learning opportunities for young people beyond its enrolled student population.
Support for Displaced People
In alignment with SDG 17.4.3: Education for the SDGs in the Wider Community, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) actively supports educational and humanitarian initiatives aimed at empowering displaced individuals through learning and community engagement. The University collaborates with local and humanitarian organizations to provide educational workshops and awareness initiatives that emphasize education as a key driver of social inclusion, self-reliance, and dignity.
Beyond academic support, the GUST community participates annually in donation drives, advocacy campaigns, and volunteer initiatives that promote compassion, inclusivity, and equality for all members of society. These efforts reflect GUST’s deep commitment to social responsibility and global citizenship, using education not only as a means of empowerment but also as a foundation for rebuilding lives and fostering hope among vulnerable populations.
In Ramadan 2024, GUST partnered with local charities to distribute freshly prepared meals to refugee and displaced families across Kuwait. Student and faculty volunteers helped with packaging, organizing distribution, and delivering meals to families in need, ensuring that no household was left without food during the holy month. This initiative combined social solidarity, cultural compassion, and humanitarian outreach—reinforcing GUST’s role in supporting displaced communities through student-led action aligned with SDG 17.4.5.
