AUS students continue university’s strong tradition of volunteering

Two recent volunteering initiatives have shown the commitment of American University of Sharjah (AUS) students to helping others within the community. The Volunteers Tutoring Program (VTP) and Volunteers Ambassador Program (VAP) have both seen AUS students extend their skills beyond the classroom, with rewards for both those they have assisted, and themselves.

The VTP saw AUS’ Community Service and Outreach office collaborate with the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation to help orphans needing extra support. Volunteers assisted the orphans in their understanding of subjects such as math, physics, chemistry, biology and English. In total, 28 AUS students volunteered throughout the fall semester, supporting 52 orphans through WhatsApp groups created for each subject area.

Through the VAP, AUS Community Service and Outreach worked with the AUS Student Council to bolster adherence to COVID-19 protocols on campus. Operating out of the AUS Student Center, the campaign lasted two weeks. The first week saw volunteers recognizing and supporting those in the AUS community who were following COVID-19 protocols, such as mask wearing, social distancing and sanitizer use. Food vouchers and other gifts were awarded to those students setting strong examples of COVID-19 guideline compliance. The second week focused on encouraging compliance with COVID-19 protocols, with volunteers communicating the importance of following the guidelines in order to protect the health and welfare of the wider community.

AUS student Reem Al Dulaimi worked on both initiatives. She said of her experience:

"Volunteering for the many programs offered by the AUS Community Service and Outreach division has become an integral part of my AUS journey. The AUS community has given me so many wonderful opportunities and life experiences; I want to be able to give back a fraction of what I was able to receive. One of my favorite things about volunteer work is seeing first-hand the ripple effect our work has on the community and knowing that all efforts are contributing towards the betterment of our community."

AUS Community Service and Outreach allows AUS students to experience the joy of helping others and giving back to society. Its volunteers are part of a diverse and active group of students involved with organizations supporting less privileged members of society. To learn more about AUS Community Service and Outreach and the work of its volunteers, please visit www.aus.edu/life-at-aus/student-life/community-involvement.