AUS students attend Arab Hope Makers Award ceremony

Students from the Student Leadership Program (SLP) at AUS attended the Arab Hope Makers Award Ceremony held in Dubai recently. Arab Hope Makers is an initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which highlights individuals who serve their communities for the betterment of societies.

Arab Hope Makers focuses on community work related to education, health, media and social activism. The initiative highlights areas of hope in the Arab World and shares stories of the women and men that devote their lives to those in need.

"This event was more like a reality check. It woke me up to what is happening around us, from hunger to deprivation and war," said Bushra Olayan, a junior chemical engineering major. "The top five competitors for the big prize each sacrificed so much to solve these world problems. They are truly inspirational. And now, all I want is to be part of this goodness, this sole desire to help, in any way possible," she added.

"The Arab Hope Makers Award Ceremony was a wonderful experience for AUS students. Listening to individuals that sacrificed so much for the sake of others made students realize the need for spreading the values of hope and goodness throughout Arab World. This experience was life changing indeed and inspired our students to give back to their communities," said, Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students.