Students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) completed the renovation of an orphan's home under the university's Hand in Hand Project in collaboration with Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation (SSEF). The renovated house was turned over to its residents on November 1, 2015 in a simple ceremony held in Al Ghafiya, Sharjah, in the presence of AUS officials, representatives from SSEF and AUS students.

This year, the project was launched with an intensive fundraising campaign on campus with the participation of more than 200 student volunteers collecting donations from the AUS community. In the second phase of the project, 100 students volunteered in the actual home renovation. The students took turns in the renovation work over a period of two weeks. The students worked alongside a building maintenance contractor and assisted in cleaning, painting and decorating the house. In addition to the renovation work, basic home furnishing was also provided.

"This is the ninth home improvement project that we have completed under the Hand in Hand Project in collaboration with various humanitarian organizations across the UAE. Through these projects, we aim to engage our students in social work and gain from the experience of giving back to the society. We are proud to have many students who are enthusiastic in volunteering and in helping the less privileged members of society," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students.

Hand in Hand is an award-winning project organized by the Office of Student Affairs' Community Services division. The Hand in Hand 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.