SDG 17.2.5
Collaboration with NGOs and/or businesses to tackle the SDGs
17.2.5 Does your university as a body collaborate with NGOs and/or businesses to tackle the SDGs through: student volunteering programmes, research programmes and development of educational resources?
ADU Launched ‘For Sudan’ Initiative in Collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent and Lulu Group International
ADU today launched a new initiative, in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), Lulu Group International and PepsiCo, with the goal of providing relief for Sudanese families impacted by the heavy floods that have occurred in recent weeks.
ADU today launched a new initiative, in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), Lulu Group International and PepsiCo, with the goal of providing relief for Sudanese families impacted by the heavy floods that have occurred in recent weeks. The initiative, titled ‘For Sudan’, aims to collect both monetary and in-kind donations which will be sent to Sudanese families.
‘For Sudan’ will be available at ADU’s main campus from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., offering members of the community the opportunity to take part in the initiative. ADU and ERC will work closely to collect the donations via donation boxes.
The launch of the initiative took place in the presence of H.E Mohammed Ameen Al-Karib, Sudanese Ambassador to the UAE, representatives of ERC, Hadeel Anwar, Sudanese champion of the Arab Reading Challenge in 2019, in addition to Professor Waqar Ahmad, Chancellor of ADU, and Salem Mubarak Al Dhaheri, ADU’s Executive Director of Community Relations. Select members of ADU’s community, who are volunteers as part of the front line of defense, also attended.
Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Community Relations at ADU commented: “We are proud to launch this initiative that will provide relief and support to families in Sudan affected by the devastating floods. We look forward to collaborating closely with the ERC on this impactful initiative that aims to alleviate the suffering the Sudanese people have endured. This initiative is also in line with our social responsibility to support not only local communities, but also regional communities in need of aid, where possible.”
Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Deputy Secretary-General of Local Affairs at the Red Crescent, affirmed that the initiative supports the UAE’s humanitarian efforts to ward off the effects of floods in Sudan, and to stand by the Sudanese nation to overcome this crisis.
He added: “The Red Crescent has always been keen to support all humanitarian activities alongside its partners in the UAE, by organizing events that reinforce solidarity with victims of disasters and crises, that also reflect the values of the UAE in supporting neighboring countries.
Al Mansouri reiterated that the initiative strengthened the Red Crescent's response to those affected by the floods in a number of Sudanese states, and contributed to expanding the umbrella of the beneficiaries of the relief program that is currently being implemented on ground to reduce the impact of the disaster on those affected.
Ashraf Ali, Executive Director of Lulu Group, said: “Charity and CSR have always been an important pillar of our organization; we are very happy and proud to work closely with ADU and the Red Crescent for this noble initiative. We would like to thank ADU for giving us the opportunity to participate in this initiative, through which we aspire to make a difference and lend a helping hand to those in need.”
ADU Volunteer Students Recognized for Lending A Hand to People of Determination
Seven students from Abu Dhabi University’s Al Ain campus were honored for their volunteer work at the Aoun Community Service Award ceremony held at the University’s main campus in Abu Dhabi. Organized by the Emirates Red Crescent, the award recognized the ADU team with a cash prize of AED 25,000, who scooped second place.
Seven students from Abu Dhabi University’s Al Ain campus were honored for their volunteer work at the Aoun Community Service Award ceremony held at the University’s main campus in Abu Dhabi. Organized by the Emirates Red Crescent, the award recognized the ADU team with a cash prize of AED 25,000, who scooped second place.
Led by ADU’s Student Affairs Department, the students formed a volunteer group in February. The students, whose group was named ‘Hand by Hand’, are dedicated to supporting People of Determination and their inclusion within the community in a bid to contribute to achieving social integration.
Raneem Al Madhoun, Student Affairs Coordinator at Abu Dhabi University in Al Ain, commented. “We are immensely proud to have witnessed the fruitful results of our students’ volunteer work and the spirit of kindness and altruism in our community. In line with the Year of Tolerance, ADU strives to lead by example and embody the values of tolerance and inclusion, maintaining a strong impact on its community and the wider society.”
Abdallah Al Salmani, ADU student and President of the ‘Hand by Hand’ team, noted, “It has been a pleasure working with my team for something bigger than ourselves, which is what we were able to achieve by collaborating with the Emirates Red Crescent. Working on these events has taught us the power of small acts of service and has broadened our understanding of the concept of tolerance and equal rights among citizens. We are delighted to have expanded our voluntary experience and are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to society. I deeply appreciate my teammates’ impressive efforts, as well as ADU for their continuous support.”
The ‘Hand by Hand’ volunteering team was recognized for their efforts in helping organize more than 12 educational and entertainment community service initiatives for People of Determination. Over two months, ADU facilitated a number of visits to care centers for children with physical and mental impairments, including Al Ain Center for the Care and Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities and Al Najah Private Rehabilitation Center.
Mohamed Abu Ebaid, Student Affairs Coordinator, added, “We believe that the University’s impact in building character and instilling noble values of selflessness and generosity among its students extends far beyond classroom learning. This experience has been a truly rewarding and eye-opening experience for our students. We look forward to continuing our volunteer work throughout the year and encouraging more students to participate.”
One of the initiatives organized by ADU saw 20 children enjoy a funfair event with activities including face painting and drawing, among others. The ‘Hand by Hand’ team also organized a one-day open platform for children to share inspirational stories of their conditions, personal lives, and how they continue to overcome their disabilities to live a fulfilling life. During this all-day event, the University honored a visually impaired Emirati student at the University of Sharjah, Mr. Majed Al Janahi who was chosen as the best actor who plays a second role in 2014 in the school theater, he is also a member in the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services. Mr. Al Janahi Converted a book into Braille to help the blind to deal with emergency situations and set an inspirational example for others.
In addition, the team also engaged with determined children in a desert clean-up initiative to encourage a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork, at the same time as promoting a sense of equality and purpose amongst members of the community. As part of their successful volunteer work, the ‘Hand by Hand’ team have played an active role in leading a team of 35 ADU volunteers, who supported and guided determined athletes during the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, the world’s largest sporting and humanitarian event.
Similarly, the team organized a series of recreational activities and sporting events for People of Determination that featured volleyball and football matches. The events aimed to encourage an active lifestyle, as well as provide determined children with the opportunity to engage in fun activities and healthy competition.
The award was launched in February this year and winners were announced in July. The ceremony awarded winners from 38 participating institutions from across the UAE.
Aimed to instill a sense of social responsibility and promote community services, the Aoun Community Services Award honors students from various academic institutions who have gone above and beyond to engage in volunteer work that supports local communities in meaningful and impactful ways.
Iftar Distribution Campaign
https://www.adu.ac.ae/news-and-events/news/news/detail/2019/07/04/iftar-distribution-campaign
The Al Ain campus Student Affairs Department organized an ‘Iftar Meal Distribution’ campaign to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day.
The Al Ain campus Student Affairs Department organized an ‘Iftar Meal Distribution’ campaign to mark Zayed Humanitarian Day. Donations were gathered from Al Ain campus students, staff, and faculty, whose generosity resulted in the distribution of more than 1300 meals across Al Ain city with the help of 23 high school student volunteers.
Abu Dhabi University and Knowledge Group Donate 25,000 Notebooks to Emirates Red Crescent
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) in partnership with Knowledge Group donated 25,000 notebooks to Emirates Red Crescent. The initiative was part of ADU’s Year of Zayed strategy that the legacy of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The donated notebooks were used to shape the 703 mosaic logo, created by Abu Dhabi University and Knowledge Group in celebration of the Year of Zayed, an that earned the University its first-ever Guinness World Record for the largest notebook mosaic logo to date.
Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Salem Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Community Relations at ADU, said: “Our long-standing partnership with Emirates Red Crescent is an important driver of our efforts to the values of giving and cooperation among our students. We are proud of what we have achieved together so far and look forward to similar initiatives in the future.”
In September 2017, Abu Dhabi University and Knowledge Group donated 75 boxes of children’s clothes and toys, collected from the University’s faculty, staff and students, to Emirates Red Crescent as part of KG’s corporate social responsibility initiative WeCare.
Distributed 70 Iftar boxes to Underprivileged Individuals
https://www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiUni/photos/pcb.5152265814808642/5152258861476004/
During the holy month of Ramadan, our ADU nutrition students from the College of Health Sciences participated in a quantity food production event to serve their culinary course and humanitarian efforts in collaboration with the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Under the supervision of Ms. Dima El-Halabi, Senior Nutrition Instructor, and Sunil Choyyan, Executive Chef, students planned, prepared and distributed 70 Iftar boxes to underprivileged individuals. Each box was filled with a main course, appetizers, and dessert. Wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem!
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region. We are a private, multi-campus university committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.
01
No Poverty
02
Zero Hunger
03
Good Health & Well-Being
04
Quality Education
05
Gender Equality
06
Clean Water & Sanitation
07
Affordable & Clean Energy
08
Decent work & Economic Growth
09
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10
Reduced Inequalities
11
Sustainable Cities & Communites
12
Responsible Consumption & Production
13
Climate Action
14
Life below Water
15
Life on Land
16
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
17
Partnerships for the Goals
Environmental Impact
01
No Poverty
Sustained economic growth cannot be achieved without social inclusion as the whole of society has a role to play in the development of a country. Federal Law No. 13 of 1972 and its amendments by the law (No.2) in 2001 was issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
Introduction
Sustained economic growth cannot be achieved without social inclusion as the whole of society has a role to play in the development of a country. Federal Law No. 13 of 1972 and its amendments by the law (No.2) in 2001 was issued by the Ministry of Community Development.
(MOCD) as the first law to provide social benefits to members of the community to ensure and sustain the high quality of living for all UAE citizens. The Ministry continues to work today on enhancing social inclusion for all members of society where social benefits are extended to cover twenty-one segments of the community.
The UAE government has a future vision to change the culture of social support from the current ‘social welfare’ model to ‘sustainable social development’ that encourages independence and growth of families across the UAE.
ADU is determined to overcome all challenges that ADU and our students might face as a result of the poverty. We continue to be dedicated to empowering and inspiring outstanding students to pursue their goals. Our scholarships and financial aid programs are available to all students who want to fund their academic programmes. We consider it our duty to provide equal opportunities to students interested in pursuing higher education, enabling them to contribute to society regardless of their financial situation.
In additional to financial aid, ADU scholarships are being provided to outstanding students, through seven main categories, including the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Scholarship, the President’s Scholarship, the University Scholarship, the Academic Scholarship, the Athletic Scholarship, the Alumni Scholarship, and the Family Tuition Waiver.
We take pride in attracting the brightest students in the UAE and offer them generous support, to excel in their studies. Our Scholarship and Financial Aid programmes are part of ADU’s corporate social responsibility and are influenced by the UAE’s great leadership. ADU is constantly finding pioneering and innovative ways to support and facilitate the needs of our students to help them achieve their academic degree.
Emirates Red Crescent and ADU Launch a Humanitarian Funding Campaign
Emirates Red Crescent and Abu Dhabi University recently launched the Education Support Campaign in coordination with Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu Group International. Through this collaboration, ADU and Emirates Red Crescent will support disadvantaged students in their university studies, providing them with an opportunity for a successful educational journey. The campaign aims to raise 10 million dirhams, and students will benefit from these funds starting 24 November 2021 and for one year. (This activity is licensed by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, permit number 022).
Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu Group International will aid the campaign by facilitating donations through their different points of sale. Community members will show their solidarity by donating valuable aid to students, starting at two dirhams.
Public donations will be accepted via text message through Etisalat and Du. Bank donations can be sent to Sharjah Islamic Bank - account number (11445518006), IBAN (AE350410000011445518006). Individuals can also donate through the link provided on the Emirates Red Crescent website (https://www.emiratesrc.ae/eduadu), with the donations ranging from ten dirhams to 1,000 dirhams.
H.E. Salem Al Rayes Al Ameri, Deputy Secretary-General for Local Affairs at Emirates Red Crescent, said, "Sponsoring students is one of the permanent and continuous programs within the initiatives of the Humanitarian and Development Authority. We continue to witness a high rate of response and generosity from sponsors and benefactors. These donations are considered a true embodiment and reflection of the authority's efforts to invest in empowering individuals and guiding them towards achieving their aspirations and fulfilling their dreams."
Al Ameri added, "The Authority acknowledges the important role it plays in preparing future generations for the responsibilities of tomorrow."
Al Ameri praised the existing cooperation between the Emirates Red Crescent and Abu Dhabi University, which seeks to support education and provide opportunities to disadvantaged students whose family circumstances prevent them from continuing their educational path. The cooperation embodies Abu Dhabi University's commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility, as well as its leading academic role in advancing science and education as the most important pillars of human development in the country. He also praised the role of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Lulu International Group in supporting the activities of the campaign.
Salem Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Community Relations at Abu Dhabi University, said, "Abu Dhabi University is proud of its strategic partnership with Emirates Red Crescent in launching the Education Support Campaign. The campaign aligns with Abu Dhabi University's mission to support students and allows us to share social responsibilities with the community. We are proud of the continuous cooperation and renewed partnership with Emirates Red Crescent in launching campaigns that carry a noble message and achieve a tangible and real impact on our society."
Al Dhaheri added, "Abu Dhabi University appreciates the role of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, Lulu International Group, and all participating partners in supporting the campaign activities. Investing in our young people and building an educated generation capable of leading the continued development of our country is vital."
Abdul Majeed Al Khouri, the Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, commented, "Our participation in the Education Support Campaign confirms the depth of the decades-old relationship between the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society and Emirates Red Crescent. With God's grace, it has gone beyond humanitarian work and now encompasses sustainability. We are proud of this pioneering partnership. The Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has always sought to serve the community of the UAE and we continuously contribute to helping and supporting various sectors in Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates."
Al Khoori added, "The initiatives adopted by the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society reflect our passion towards aiding societal struggles related to education. Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has initiated partnerships with ministries and governmental institutions, such as the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Emirates Red Crescent, to create opportunities for those who dream of pursuing their educational journey. In the last few years, we doubled our efforts and developed initiatives that will allow us to serve our country and consolidate the concept of social responsibility. We are proud to be part of an institution that provides its students with an environment that values charitable work and social development while simultaneously providing high-quality education and academic qualifications that are respected worldwide."
Mr. Aboobakker TP, Director of LuLu Hypermarkets Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra region, said, "This initiative embodies the belief and commitment of LuLu Group in the bright future of the UAE and the power of the Emirati youth to shape it."
"Education is one of the strongest building blocks for a nation's future, and LuLu Group is honored to share in raising valuable funding for needy students," he continued. "It empowers Emirati youth to contribute to their best potential and lead the future of the country. It is particularly timely that this campaign comes on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the UAE's nationhood. We at LuLu Group International are proud of our identity as a 'homegrown' UAE brand and see this participation in the 'Let's Support Their Future' campaign as our humble contribution to the nation that gave us so much to build upon."
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Abu Dhabi University is committed to becoming the best institution of its kind in the region. We are a private, multi-campus university committed to meeting the education, skills and knowledge needs in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries through qualifications and standards that are respected across the world.
01
No Poverty
02
Zero Hunger
03
Good Health & Well-Being
04
Quality Education
05
Gender Equality
06
Clean Water & Sanitation
07
Affordable & Clean Energy
08
Decent work & Economic Growth
09
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10
Reduced Inequalities
11
Sustainable Cities & Communites
12
Responsible Consumption & Production
13
Climate Action
14
Life below Water
15
Life on Land
16
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
17
