A group of five students from the Diplomacy and Public Relations Department at the University of Human Development organised a special activity for 40 children from three orphanages in Sulaymaniyah on the International Day of Happiness.

The activity involved taking the children in three groups by bus to the cinema for watching an educational film with snacks. The next destination was Chavy Land, a private park with game land. There they were led to the zoo, to indoor 3D games, and riding bicycles afterwards. They were then taken to Sulaymaniyah Heights for a special meal and watching theatre. The final destination was Tiger Town where the children played various games and watched a magic show. At the end of the activity, they each received a special gift bag with toys, books, clothes, and perfumes inside from the organisers. Throughout the journey, the children were being looked after by 12 supervisors as requested by Sulaymaniyah Social Care Directorate.

This way, the Diplomacy and Public Relations students celebrated the International Day of Happiness. They have made the day memorable for this group of orphans in Sulaymaniyah. Happiness Day is celebrated worldwide by different organisations, groups and communities. 

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish March 20 as the International Day of Happiness to bring to the attention of everyone that economic growth and material things are not everything in life; they can result in stress and anxiety. Equal opportunity for every one of us, sympathy and compassion, and being kind to each other will bring greater happiness and can make the world a better place. This annual occasion is also used to promote universal human rights.