Under the patronage of Prof. Hanan Kamel, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, at Ain Shams University, Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Education and Student Affairs, Prof. Somaya Sabry, Head of the English Department, Prof. Sylvia Pham, Professor of English Literature, The first Poetry Club meeting was held in the Department of English Language and Literature for the academic year 2023/2024, in the presence of students of the English Language and Literature Program (credit hour system) from all academic levels, and a number of professors: Dr. Enas Al-Ibrashi, and Mrs. Hoda Qassem and the department’s student activities coordinator, Dr. Rana Al-Khouly.

Prof. Sylvia opened the first meeting by introducing the goals of the poetry club, and discussed with the students their perceptions and expectations for this activity.

The meeting was attended by more than 40 students from various teams, where Dr. Sylvia presented a poem in paper and illustrated form by Emily Dickinson entitled I am Nobody. An extensive discussion took place among the audience about the dimensions of the poem and its psychological and social effects on the age group to which the students belong. The students also exchanged experiences and ideas on this subject.

The meeting lasted for two hours, and the attendees expressed how much they benefited and enjoyed a different academic forum that led to brainstorming that enriched the mind and heart together.

The club aims to enable students to speak English fluently in a comfortable atmosphere, away from official curricula, exams, and academic pressures, by discussing ancient and contemporary books on poetry, which contribute to developing their cultural awareness, linking them to the reality in which they live, and helping them in their practical lives.

It also contributes to enriching their linguistic and communication skills and increasing their self-confidence.