SSEF, AUS organise specialised academic courses

The first course included practical training on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to prepare them for university entrance exams and the requirements of university education, another advanced course in "electronic programming" was also offered, with the aim of enhancing the children's academic and technical skills.

These intensive courses were delivered by a group of volunteer engineering students at the AUS. The IELTS course focused on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills according to international standards, which helps students successfully pass university entrance exams.

It enhances their opportunities to enroll in universities and higher education institutions locally and internationally.

The "Electronic Programming" course covered the basics of programming and practical applications in programming electricity, lighting, and electrical sensors, as well as the steps necessary to solve problems and carry out tasks, and provided participants with the data and information the program handles.

The courses included a practical and interactive aspect, enhancing participants' learning experience and providing them with direct contact with university students with scientific and technical expertise. This helped boost their self-confidence and motivate them to continue to excel.

In a statement to the Foundation, Nawal Al-Hamdi, Director of the Social Welfare Department at the Foundation, said: “This partnership reflects the Foundation’s commitment to providing quality educational opportunities for orphans, and providing them with scientific and skill tools that enhance their ability to enroll in higher education institutions and keep pace with the requirements of the labour market, praising the significant role of the university,”

She asked the volunteers to help make this initiative a success and spread the culture of community cooperation.

She continued: “We are proud of the cooperation and efforts of the American University of Sharjah in supporting the Foundation’s programmes. We appreciate their pioneering role.”

They have offered numerous qualifying courses for students affiliated with the Foundation to strengthen various basic skills in a variety of disciplines that support students over the past years, and they continue to take the initiative in everything that benefits our members.

She added: "This academic interest comes within the framework of the "Teach with the Pen" project implemented by the Foundation to support the education of orphans. The project includes a wide range of integrated academic and cognitive programmes that aim to develop the children's scientific and intellectual capabilities, and provide them with the skills necessary for academic success and to meet future challenges.”

For her part, Aisha Al Raisi, Director of the Community Service and Corporate Communications Department at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), explained: “Within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation and the American University of Sharjah.

The University's Department of Community Service and Institutional Communication continues its efforts to enable students to participate in volunteer initiatives with a sustainable societal impact.

The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation is a key partner in supporting educational and awareness programmes implemented by students on an ongoing basis, meeting the needs of fatherless students and enhancing their empowerment opportunities.

She continued: “Students from the IEEE SIGHT Special Interest Group for Humane Technology at the university launched an electronic programming course programme to develop the skills of the institution’s members in the technical field and provide them with direct practical experience.”

Students also attend an annual IELTS training course, which helps prepare participants for university entrance exams, achieving tangible results in supporting their educational journey.

She concluded: "I would like to thank the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation for its continuous support and for providing its students with the opportunity to embody the spirit of social responsibility through quality programmes and volunteer activities."

The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation strives to care for all the needs of students who lack parental care, and devotes a large portion of attention to the academic aspect, out of its belief in the importance of education and the necessity of providing it to the segment of students affiliated with the institution that the project is concerned with.

The Foundation has dedicated its efforts to providing focused, high-quality services.