Coffee with: Wafae Bisim, Member of the Cultural and Student Services Department at Paris Sorbonne University of Abu Dhabi (PSUAD)
Paul D: When did you move to Abu Dhabi?
Wafae: I arrived here in January 2001 and worked in 5-star hotels for a couple of years then decided it was time for a change. I found an interesting position in an embassy in Abu Dhabi where they needed French-speaking staff.
Paul D: How did you get involved with PSUAD?
Wafae: While working at the embassy I heard about a French university opening in Abu Dhabi. I sent my CV to them and I got a phone call two months afterwards asking me to come in for an interview. I left the embassy for this new and exciting adventure at PSUAD.
Paul D: What made you gravitate towards a career in student campus entertainment?
Wafae: When I started at Sorbonne University, I was the Executive Assistant of the Vice President. I was attending a management council meeting and helping with the translation for the French and Emirati members. After that a position opened in the Cultural and Student Services Department. I took the chance to apply for it, got it, and here I am. At Sorbonne-Abu Dhabi, we have more than sixty different nationalities. It’s amazing to see these young people from different cultures and religions. Having direct contact with the diverse student body and staff is what makes my job so interesting.
Paul D: Since I moved here in late 2011, I noticed that you have been integral in providing PSUAD with top-notch poetry events. Do you have a personal passion with poetry?
Wafae: I just love poetry. For me it’s a healing tool to the mind and soul. I grew up loving the poetry of Nizar Qabbani. His lyrics are sung by Lebanese and Syrian vocalists who helped popularize his work. Qabbani made women his main theme and inspiration. I love also Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, and of course I also read French poems and enjoy them very much. When I first came to the UAE, I was amazed by this country; where almost all its citizens are poets. I was introduced to Nabati poetry. Some of the Nabati poets sing while reciting; this describes and represents their identity, their inspiration, and their dreams. Organizing poetic evenings at Sorbonne University is a dream come true.
Paul D: Is it part of the school’s mission to provide these types of multicultural events?
Wafae: Yes, our department provides different cultural and artistic activities such as music classes, painting, theatre and, of course, we organize poetic evenings. These activities allow students to broaden their skills and stimulate exchange with regards to idea sharing. Some students are poets who were never given the opportunity to speak in public. Sorbonne-Abu Dhabi gave them that chance. Every year we have more and more students participating along with other poets from other universities as well as poets from the community.
Paul D: What are your favourite events, that you have organized in Abu Dhabi?
Wafae: Mainly the Poetic Evenings, but every year we also celebrate UAE National Day. We have International Day where students talk about their origins and present their countries, and we also organize a yearly student talent show.
Paul D: It’s great that you love organizing. Let’s organize this bill. Can you organize the remainder of the check if I give you five dirhams?
By Dorian “Paul D” Rogers/ @pauldTHERIPY
