AUS hosts 23 governmental and private organizations at Awareness Day

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), AUS held its annual Awareness Day to raise the public's awareness regarding issues of health, social, environmental and safety concerns. The event was opened by Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS.

Twenty-three governmental and private organizations participated in the event, which was organized by the Community Services Division of the Office of Student Affairs and attended by members of the AUS community, students from schools across the UAE, and the public.

"As part of our community engagement initiatives, we bring on campus prominent government and private organizations from various sectors of the community to reach out to more students and promote awareness about health, social, environmental and safety issues. It is the aim of the Community Services Division to boost student involvement in community work so that students learn, benefit and participate in volunteering activities," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students.

"The event serves as a platform to showcase to our students the various volunteering opportunities available to them and empower them with the requisite skills and values that will aid in their growth and development as responsible citizens of the society," she added.

With booths and banners set up at the university's Student Center, the participating organizations educated attendees about issues ranging from health issues, such as the effects of smoking and driving safety, to volunteering opportunities for those interested in giving back to the community.

Commenting on his department's participation, Customer Service Agent Salim Badir Jany said, "We want to educate students about the various services and procedures the Sharjah Economic Development Department offers. We are here to give information on matters such as licensing, acquiring work permits, and customer complaints."

Dubai Health Authority also hosted a blood drive for attendees to donate. Staff encouraged people to donate blood as it saves lives, its good for their blood circulation, and is completely safe.

"Awareness Day talks about several health issues and aspects that you might not know about. It's important that people come [to increase awareness]. It is not just blood donation, it is about learning more about cancer and other topics that are really helpful not just for you, but for other people, too," said Zakaria Alrifai, AUS mechanical engineering junior and active Community Services volunteer. "I really enjoy being a fruitful part of the community and helping others, and it's always for a good cause," he added.

"Awareness Day is great campaign to learn about different safety methods. AUS has contributed in providing students with new things to learn from and I'm enjoying the event," said Fatima Al Zahra, an eighth grade student from the Ajman-based Abu Obaida Bin Aljarah Private School.

The participants included Al Qassimi Hospital, Big Heart, Ministry of Health from the Sharjah Medical District, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Sharjah Civil Defense, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Museums Department, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Project for Oral and Dental Health, Sharjah Red Crescent, Sharjah Sports Council, Sharjah Economic Development Department, Supreme Council For Family Affairs (Health Promotion), Al Ihsan Charity Association, Dubai Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, Dubai Police, Emirates Foundation for Youth Development (SANID), Emirates Society For Consumer Protection, Emirates Volunteers Association, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, National Rehabilitation Center, Abbott Laboratories, S.A., and Right Bite.