As part of its ongoing support for student-led innovation and the enhancement of language and communication skills, the Department of English at the College of Education – Al-Mustaqbal University hosted a workshop titled<br />"Breaking the Fear: Overcoming Language Barriers in English", presented by student Rusul Jalal and supervised by Lecturer and Department Coordinator, Ms. Rasha Ihsan Saadon. The event was attended by a group of students and faculty members.<br />The workshop addressed one of the most common challenges faced by English language learners: the fear of speaking and active engagement. The presentation focused on the psychological and social roots of this fear, such as the anxiety of making mistakes, lack of self-confidence, and prior negative experiences.<br />The student outlined a range of practical and psychological strategies to help learners overcome these barriers, including:<br />• Practicing language in supportive and informal environments.<br />• Boosting self-confidence through techniques like gradual exposure and positive self-talk.<br />• Engaging with interactive tools such as group discussions and educational games.<br />The session saw high levels of engagement from the audience, who shared personal experiences and offered additional strategies for overcoming language anxiety, fostering a collaborative and positive learning atmosphere.<br />This workshop reflects the department’s broader commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:<br />• Goal 4 (Quality Education): by empowering students to overcome psychological obstacles and fostering an inclusive learning environment.<br />• Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being): by promoting mental well-being and reducing the stress associated with language learning.<br />• Goal 5 (Gender Equality): through encouraging equal academic participation and supporting women's educational empowerment.<br />• Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): by strengthening collaboration between students and academic mentors to deliver impactful educational content.<br />At the conclusion of the workshop, Ms. Rasha Ihsan Saadon praised Rusul Jalal’s initiative, noting that such efforts represent a valuable step forward in participatory learning and highlight the importance of psychological awareness in mastering language skills.<br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq.<br />