With a heart for community service, student volunteers from  American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently made the wishes of 29 orphans come true this summer through the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation’s (SSEF) project Sidreh of Wishes.

Held in collaboration with the AUS Community Service and Outreach office, the Eid campaign helps provide for orphans, with this year’s campaign aiding children who have lost a parent due to COVID-19. This is the second time AUS students have participated in this Eid initiative, which comes as part of the university’s continued efforts to enhance community engagement through offering its students opportunities for meaningful community service.

Between July 15 to 26, more than 20 AUS students logged on to the SSEF’s website and signed up to realize some of the orphan’s listed wishes. Some students even decided to help make more than one wish come true.

For Omnia Al-Koni, a second-year multimedia design student, the program offered an opportunity to directly help those in need:  “Due to Covid-19, everyone seems to be struggling in all aspects of life because of how hard the situation is. I can only imagine it being even harder for orphans in every community. Volunteering to help and support orphans in these tough times brings me joy. I picked four orphans, who happened to have the same wish—they all want bikes. I chose this wish because they have a summer break now so they can enjoy biking.”

She added: “As a student at AUS, I feel the need to help and support communities by volunteering any chance I get. I am certain there is no better feeling than being able to support those who need it the most. It's my first time to contribute and participate in an event with the Community Service and Outreach office, but I'm sure that it won't be my last time, as I'm really interested in their events, which aim to help people in need.”

Dr. Lisa Moscaritolo, Vice Provost for Student Life, thanked the student volunteers: “We are proud of our students for their enthusiasm, generosity and genuine interest in assisting and contributing to community-led projects. Being at home did not stop them from giving back to those in need, and I am hoping that their act of kindness will have a huge impact on the children receiving the gifts in time for Eid.  A special thanks to Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation for giving us the opportunity to be part of the Sidreh of Wishes initiative.”