SSEF and AUS strengthen community work through ‘Judran’ project

More than 110 AUS student volunteers took part in the initiative, working directly on-site to assist with renovation and maintenance activities. Their hands-on involvement not only improved the physical environment of the homes but also added a humanitarian and educational dimension, reinforcing the culture of volunteerism and social responsibility among university students.

Munira Al Yafai, Deputy Director General of SSEF, emphasised the significance of the initiative, noting that the Judran project exemplifies the Foundation’s aim to support orphaned families by enhancing their living conditions, ensuring their comfort, security, and emotional health. “Providing a safe and nurturing home is fundamental to the healthy development of children and to fostering their stability,” she said.

A model of youth-driven community empowerment

Al-Yafai expressed gratitude for AUS’s longstanding partnership, praising its students’ dedication and spirit of giving. “Their participation strengthens our mission and reflects the unity of society in empowering orphaned children,” she said. “Beyond volunteering, this experience deepened students’ sense of solidarity and commitment to social responsibility, nurturing values that are vital for a cohesive and compassionate community.” She added that the Judran project marks a significant step in promoting social solidarity, going beyond material aid to directly improve the daily lives of families. “By restoring their homes, we are creating spaces that are warmer, safer, and more nurturing, paving the way for a brighter future,” she noted.

Strategic partnership and corporate support

Shaimaa Bin Tali’a, Vice President for Student Experience at AUS, reaffirmed the strategic partnership with SSEF, highlighting it as a community collaboration that empowers students. She described the Judran project, which mixes community service and experiential learning, as embodying this vision. This year, the Emirati Cultural Club participated in home maintenance and furniture purchases. National Paints provided free paint, and Samsung donated appliances, coordinated through the university’s Development and Alumni Affairs Office to foster private sector engagement in community initiatives.

Sustaining a culture of giving and responsibility

In conclusion, Bin Tali’a expressed her gratitude to the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation for its ongoing cooperation and to all volunteers and partners for their contributions to the project’s success. She emphasised that such initiatives reflect AUS’s mission to instil values of giving, compassion, and civic responsibility among its students, inspiring them to take an active role in serving their communities and shaping a more compassionate society.