American University of Sharjah (AUS) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with three secondary educational institutions in the country to enable future partnerships and provide a framework of cooperation between AUS and the schools. The agreements were signed with ABC Private School in Abu Dhabi and the Sharjah-based Al Durra International School and Sama American Private School, on December 11, 12 and 13 respectively.

The partnerships are part of the Sharakah program, a strategic initiative by the Office of Enrollment Management at AUS to promote sustainable partnerships with selected schools from across the United Arab Emirates.

During the signing ceremonies, Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of the AUS Office of Enrollment Management (OEM), briefed the visiting delegates on the university’s achievements and its academic progress. He stressed on the university’s commitment to reaching out to the community through strategic partnerships and initiatives by providing the necessary tools for secondary students to prepare for their university journeys.

On behalf of ABC Private School, His Excellency Sultan Al Mazrouie, signed the agreement. Sheikh Mohammed Al Qassimi, Board Chair, Al Durra International School, signed the MoU on behalf of his school; while Hassan Saleh Sabah, Principal, Sama American Private School, represented his school at the signing ceremony. Baria Bou Zein, Principal, ABC Private School, and Basel Al Kakah, Board Vice Chair, Al Durra International School, along with other senior officials from AUS and the partner schools were also present at the signing ceremonies.

“AUS is very pleased to welcome ABC Private School, Al Durra International School and Sama American Private School to our Sharakah Program,” said Shuhaimy “Sharakah is a very important initiative for us as it helps us build partnerships with schools across the UAE to create a platform for a mutually beneficial educational and co-educational exchange programs. Such associations play an important role in institutional development.”

The agreement will include partnership in the recruitment of outstanding students from varied socio-cultural and economic backgrounds to AUS. Additionally, it will include the university offering workshops to teachers and students of partner schools; patronage of selected research, cultural, social and sporting activities and events organized by the school; partial scholarships to distinguished students selected from lists provided by the school; and university preparation courses as well as SAT and TOEFL preparation courses to students from the partner school, as needed.