AUS students volunteer in Sharjah Water Festival

Thirty students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) volunteered in the recently concluded Sharjah Water Festival organized by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) in Al Majaz Park from December 6 to 21, 2012. The students were assigned to the Water Circus area and performed a variety of tasks including ushering, seating guests and ensuring the safety of children. 

"Volunteering is fun and exciting; we meet different kinds of people and perform different tasks where we acquire new skills. I am passionate about volunteering and believe I can make a positive impact on people's lives and on the community," said volunteer Yomna Abdalla, a computer engineering student at AUS.

As part of the Sharjah Water Festival activities, the famous Saltimbanco Italiano Global Arts performed at the AUS campus on December 10. The group, dressed in colorful water-themed costumes, paraded on campus with live musical performances. Hundreds of students gathered at the Student Center to watch the group as they displayed a variety of circus tricks and acrobatic performances.

"The Office of Student Affairs' Community Services division continues to partner with governmental and private organizations to promote meaningful initiatives for the society. Through these partnerships, we are able to offer diverse volunteering opportunities for our student volunteers' learning experience," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

SCTDA awarded the student volunteers with certificates as a token of appreciation for their efforts. The Sharjah Water Festival was hosted by the emirate of Sharjah for the sixth consecutive year. The festival attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year who enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and international shows in an educational and cultural manner.

AUS's participation in the Sharjah Water Festival was coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs' Community Services Office.