Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), the university held its annual Awareness Day today, April 22. The day-long event is aimed to spread awareness among students and the general public on health, social, environmental and safety matters. The day featured the participation of prominent government and private organizations.

The opening ceremony was attend by Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Salem Al Qaseer, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs; along with other senior university officials.

"This year we have 30 organizations supporting our special campaign on campus, aiming to educate the youth about various issues," said Dr. Al Shehhi. "Awareness Day is a platform that strengthens and expands our partnerships with governmental and private entities. A good number of our student volunteers are attending various training sessions offered by some of the organizations present here. This initiative is a support towards equipping volunteers with requisite skills and promoting volunteerism in the country. I thank our student volunteers for their enthusiasm in making a difference in all that they do for the society," she added.

Participating organizations included Al Hemam Center, Al Ihsan Charity Center, Al Qassimi Hospital, Al Thiqqa Club for the Handicapped, Big Heart, Breastfeeding Friends, Dubai Blood Donation Center, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Police, Economic Development Department - Consumer Protection, Emirates Foundation For Youth Development - SANID, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Family Development Administration, Friends of Arthritis Patients, Friends of Diabetes Patients, Friends of Kidney Patients, Human Appeal International, Ajman, Maternal and Child Health Care Center, Ministry of Social Affairs, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Sharjah City Municipality, Sharjah Civil Defense, Sharjah Medical District, Sharjah Museums Department, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Project for Oral and Dental Health, Sharjah Sports Council, Supreme Council for Family Affairs (Health Promotion), Abbott Nutrition and Right Bite.

All the participating organizations distributed handouts and informed the attendees about social and cultural issues. The event, organized by the Office of Student Affairs' Community Services division at AUS, attracted a large number of students, faculty and staff. Students from local high schools also attended the event.