In continuing its mission to deliver the importance of volunteer work to its student volunteers, Community Services launched a series of trainings with the collaboration of Takatof, one of the principal initiatives of the Emirates Foundation, a social program to foster a culture of volunteering throughout the United Arab Emirates. The initiative is under the guidance ofH Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi; and the direction of his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

On March 22, a representative team from Takatof presented to 84 AUS student volunteers an introductory session about the organization, its beliefs and practices across the UAE. Commenting on her aspiration, Reem Mustafa, a finance major said, "I am so excited after attending the introductory session as Takatof are tackling the volunteering work from a different perspective which gives me an insight into how any initiative is set before we, the volunteers, go and help."

"This year we are aiming to expand our Community Service programs and projects by partnering with major humanitarian and charitable organizations tasked with initiatives at a larger, nationwide scale. I am sure that our students' volunteering skills will be developed further as they acquire knowledge and skills from professionals in the field through these training sessions. We are glad to see that many AUS students are willing to offer their time and effort in volunteering for various causes," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students.

The next training will take place April 11-13, 2016, and its theme will focus on the concept of initiation in volunteering work through enterprises and the leading skills that volunteers require to accomplish an effective, tangible and scalable impact on their community.