Arab and North African Society: Charity Officer

Hey everyone, I’m Jana Fathallah (Year 2, MEng Engineering and Architectural Design). My heart has always been drawn to community, care, and creating opportunities for others — which is why I hope to serve as Charity Officer.

In school, as Head of Eco Council and Deputy Head Girl, I launched a charity initiative that recycled exam papers and materials to raise funds and support environmental and social causes, and regularly helped organise community events and fundraisers.

I’ve always loved bringing people together for a cause greater than ourselves. At UCL, I continue to stay involved through roles like Transition Mentor and Academic Rep, and by actively supporting student projects and the Bartlett Summer Show.

I would love the chance to bring that same energy, care, and commitment to Arabsoc, and help create meaningful opportunities to support causes close to our community.

Salam 3lekom! 

Being Charity Officer last year was genuinely one of the highlights of my time at UCL. From our bake sales for Reformation Charity to the Ramadan Iftar with Human Appeal and especially packing and distributing essentials to children in need, every event reminded me why this role matters. It’s about community, purpose and showing that charity is part of who we are.

This year, I want to build on that foundation and strengthen our ties with charities. I was thinking of bringing new ideas like “Community Fridays”, small volunteering or donation drives in collaboration with other societies, to keep us consistently engaged even beyond the big events. 

The Arab Soc has always made charity a core pillar like no other and that legacy deserves to grow. I ask you to trust me to carry it forward!

Having grown up in Kuwait, surrounded by Arab culture, warmth, and generosity, I’ve always loved how the community comes together - through food, laughter, and the spirit of giving. I want to bring that same energy to UCL through meaningful initiatives that blend social events with doing good. Whether it’s through charity games, dessert nights (who doesn’t love bonding over some good kenafa?), or volunteering opportunities with charity organisations, I hope to make this society a space where we uplift great causes and each other.

Back in secondary school as Deputy Head Girl, I helped organise various charity events e.g. for the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to support relief efforts in Syria and Turkey, and with KACCH (Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospitals). Seeing how collective effort could bring real change was really rewarding and it’s something I want to continue here at UCL.

As Hackathon Lead for the UCL Data Science Society and an executive of the Electronic and Electrical Engineering Society last year, I’ve had plenty of experience planning and running large-scale events and building connections with external organisations. I’d love to bring these experiences to this role.

Ultimately, I want to help make Arab & NA Soc a welcoming home away from home - a place where we celebrate our culture and make a real impact together.