MOU focusing on volunteer work signed by AUS and SCHS

American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Sharjah City of Humanitarian Services (SCHS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at a special ceremony held at the university campus.

The MOU was signed by Sheikha Jameelah Bint Mohammad Al Qassimi, Director General of the SCHS, and Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Mona Abdel Karim Yaf'i, Director of Al Wafa School for Capacity Development; Heba AlHamrani, SCHS Human Resources Manager; Munketh Taha, Director of Student Development and Organization, AUS Office of Student Affairs; Aisha Ali, Community Services Manager, AUS Student Activities Department, Office of Student Affairs and a number of other AUS and SCHS officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikha Jameelah said the MOU was an important step in strengthening bilateral cooperation especially in the field of regulating volunteer work to serve society in general and those of special needs in particular. She praised the pioneering role AUS plays as the main provider of high quality higher education in the region.

The agreement aims at encouraging university students to volunteer and participate in the activities of the SCHS such as Amal Camp, Used Book Fair and others, as well as SCHS's participation in AUS events such as the Global Day, Charity Mini-marathon and other activities, she said. The MOU also outlined that SCHS will hold training courses for AUS students in means to deal with the handicapped. It will also provide opportunities for the AUS community to volunteer. The agreement will also allow SCHS to use the university's facilities for hosting its programs and activities, Sheikha Jameelah added.

Dr. Heath said that this MOU was part of the university's mission to engage fruitfully with organizations in the emirate. "We look forward to our cooperation with SCHS, as part of AUS' social responsibility," he said.

Dr. Al Shehhi said the signing of the agreement enhances the existing cooperation and utilizes potential volunteer students to help individuals with special needs. "The agreement came in the light of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, UAE Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS, and his emphasis on the importance of interacting with the humanitarian organizations," she said.