Empowering Identity: Khalid Al Bakri’s Work at the Syrian Cultural Club

Khalid Al Bakri, a MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders scholar, is now the President of the Syrian Cultural Club at LAU Beirut, leading with service, identity, and community building. This semester, he led one of the most active and meaningful cultural initiatives on campus, guiding a team of committed members to celebrate Syrian heritage and strengthen the bonds between Syrian and Lebanese youth.

Khalid describes the club’s mission and purpose, seeking to preserve Syrian identity, creating a sense of belonging for students far from home, and opening spaces where culture becomes a bridge rather than a barrier. “Culture has the power to heal and to connect,” he often shares with his team. “When students feel seen and represented, the entire community grows stronger.”

Under his leadership, the club organized one of its most successful events to date. The “Jasmine” Cultural Event transformed the LAU campus into a celebration of Syrian heritage. Students explored eight interactive tables that showcased food, crafts, literature, and the rich traditions of Syria’s many cities. The Aleppo Soap Corner drew particular attention, inviting students to learn about the history, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind ghar soap.

Khalid brought together sponsors from well-known Syrian businesses, including Bayt Halab, Halawiyat Al-Sham, and Hamouchis, strengthening connections between the university and the cultural community beyond campus. He also partnered with the LAU Arts Club to design artwork, cultural prints, customized cups, and visual pieces representing different Syrian cities.

One of the most engaging parts of the event was the poetry and literature table, where verses from iconic Syrian poets reminded students of the resilience, hope, and beauty embedded in the country’s cultural memory. Visitors enjoyed riddles, small gifts, and handmade laurel soap stamped with a QR code leading to the club’s Instagram page, a creative idea Khalid developed to help expand outreach.

Through these initiatives, Khalid created a space where Syrian and non-Syrian students could connect, learn, and celebrate heritage together. His work reflects the values of the MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, which encourages students to lead with empathy, purpose, and cultural awareness.

With vision, collaboration, and a deep love for his heritage, Khalid is inspiring his classmates and elevating the presence of Syrian culture at LAU.