Student volunteers from American University of Sharjah's (AUS) Saudi Cultural Club recently renovated the home of an orphan under the care of Human Appeal International, Ajman.

More than 30 members of the AUS Saudi Cultural Club volunteered for the project under the supervision of the AUS Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Community Services, in partnership with Human Appeal International, which recommended the home of one of the orphans under its care. The funding for the project was mainly provided by sponsors.

The renovation was carried out over a period of one week, with student volunteers working alongside a contractor in cleaning, painting and decorating the house. In addition, basic home furnishings were provided to replace old and damaged items.

"This project was just a small gesture to show our love for the UAE, which we consider our second home. The UAE taught us what it means to be united and here we are united with passion, hand in hand, for a good deed," said Balquees Basalom, president of AUS Saudi Cultural Club and team leader of the volunteers in this project.

"I thank the Saudi Club for their enthusiasm in extending help to the needy. With their hard work and efforts, they have improved the shelter and living conditions of an orphan. I also wish to thank the sponsors for providing the necessary funding to complete this humanitarian project," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.This is the seventh renovation project under the "Hand in Hand" initiative, an award-winning project organized by OSA Community Services. The project received the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work in 2010 and in 2013. The initiative is aimed at improving the lives of the needy to promote a stronger society while at the same time promoting volunteerism among the youth so that they may engage in meaningful activities for society.

Also present in the handover ceremony were representatives from the Saudi Embassy Cultural Attaché and Saudi Arabia's Fly Nas Airlines, as well as officials from AUS and Human Appeal International, Ajman.