UAE: 30 charitable organizations honored for serving communities in need

Sharjah: As many as 30 charitable organizations in the UAE have been honored for their services to communities in need.

The Rector of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, also recognized their long-standing partnership with AUS at the Community Partner Recognition Reception.

Organized by the AUS Office of Student Affairs’ Community Service and Outreach, the event recognizes AUS’ community partners with whom AUS has developed strong partnerships over the years to provide students with diverse and limitless volunteering experiences.

The event featured a celebratory video highlighting the role played by the many organizations that AUS has partnered with over the years in some of its most impactful initiatives.

These include the Hand in Hand project with the Sharjah Foundation for Social Empowerment, which sees an average of 100 students volunteer each year to rehabilitate schools and orphanages; reading material; Emirates Red Crescent collaboration; Sharjah Police collaboration on the annual AUS Awareness Day. The contribution of AUS to build classrooms in Ghana on the occasion of AUS’ Silver Jubilee was also highlighted recently, in partnership with Sharjah International Charities.

The event also included a photo exhibition highlighting projects that Australian student volunteers have worked with various organizations since 2005.

AUS says community service and volunteering are deeply ingrained in its institutional values. These include providing a transformative experience that prepares students to be outgoing, responsible individuals, ready to make a positive impact on the world, and provide opportunities for active participation to contribute to the development of society.

“We are always looking to build strong relationships with social agencies through AUS’s Community Service and Outreach Department to better serve the communities in which we work. Our track record is a testament to the ongoing work our volunteer students are doing to make a difference for underresourced populations As AUS celebrates its 25th anniversary, we are delighted to meet our partners on this long journey,” said Aisha Ali, AUS Community Services and Outreach Manager.

She added: “Our mission is to engage students and faculty in meaningful service-learning projects that benefit the community, while also providing opportunities for personal growth and development. Volunteering projects that alleviate poverty, foster a strong sense of social responsibility and foster a culture of civic engagement.”

The AUS President also met 17 members of the AUS Students’ Union who shared their thoughts, advice and wishes for university life and beyond.

Taking this opportunity, Sheikha Bodour assured that student voices will contribute to the University’s vision and strategy, and urged them to seize the opportunity to build on AUS’ positive legacy. She said that student presidents can develop well-rounded students, develop qualities such as teamwork, community service and responsibility, and encourage them to make the most of their college life and maximize their competitive advantages in the future job market.