American University of Sharjah Students Transform Needy Family’s Home

Nada Ahmed, a mother of four and caretaker of her mother, had long dreamed of renovating her house. However, the demands of daily life made it seem like an unattainable goal. 

That changed when seventy students from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) stepped in to make her dream a reality.

Over two weeks, these young volunteers took on the challenge. They painted, furnished, cleaned, and decorated the entire house, making it a warm and welcoming home for the Ahmed family.

Gratitude and Transformation:

Nada expressed her gratitude, saying, “The transformation and the joy [the students] have brought into our home is beyond words. 

Thank you for this ray of hope and the laughter-filled moments.” For many students, including Judy Debs, a biology major at AUS, this experience was life-changing. 

Judy shared, “Assisting this family wasn’t just a task, but a profound act of beauty and purpose. I hope to contribute once more before this chapter concludes.”

Hand in Hand Project: Building Bridges of Hope:

This initiative is part of the Hand in Hand project, led by the university’s Community Service and Outreach office (CSO) in collaboration with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS). 

Aisha Ali, CSO Manager at AUS, emphasized the project’s essence: “Our project is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building bridges of hope, community, and unity. 

To witness the spirit of giving from our students and the joy it brings to families is deeply humbling.”

Longstanding Partnership and Social Responsibility:

Since its inception in 2009, the Hand in Hand project has completed 27 renovation projects, all funded entirely through donations from students, their families, and charity accounts. 

Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director of SCHS, praised the initiative, emphasizing the enduring partnership between SCHS and AUS. 

She stated, “It promotes volunteerism and firmly establishes social responsibility as a fundamental behavior and value.”

Fostering a Lasting Legacy:

Both institutions are committed to encouraging individuals and institutions to embrace this spirit of giving and social responsibility. 

The aim is to establish this commitment as a lasting legacy and cultural tradition cherished by future generations.