Sharjah 24: American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of National Charity Schools as part of its Sharakah programme— a successful university community engagement initiative that aims to foster partnerships between AUS and select schools from around the country.

Professor Kevin Mitchell, AUS Chancellor, and Ibrahim Abu Zaid, General Manager of Administrative Affairs of the Directorate General of National Charity Schools, attended the virtual ceremony along with other senior officials from both institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Mitchell said: “We are pleased to welcome National Charity Schools to the Sharakah programme. As we have complimentary missions and a shared commitment to education, the MoU will support enhanced collaboration, possibilities for students to engage with peers at other Sharakah programme schools, and opportunities to explore all that AUS has to offer in terms of academic and extracurricular programmes”.

Speaking on behalf of the Directorate General of National Charity Schools, Dr. Mohammad S. B. Shaath, Chairman of the Board of Principals and Director General said: “The Directorate General of National Charity Schools is honored by this collaboration. It is part of our continued efforts to continue to develop our schools and benefit our students. We aim to prepare our students for the future and graduate scholars who are ready to give back and build their communities. We look forward to working with AUS.”

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between AUS and the Directorate General of National Charity Schools through the recruitment of outstanding students from varied socio-cultural and economic backgrounds to the university. According to the MoU, AUS will provide partial scholarships to deserving students nominated by the school and offer support for research, cultural, social and sports events organized by the school. The school students will also have the opportunity to actively participate in the annually planned university events, and cultural and extracurricular activities.

The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Juan Sanchez, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUS, who said: “I am very pleased to welcome the Directorate General of National Charity Schools as part of the Sharakah Programme. The programme has been successful for the member schools and AUS, but most importantly, it has been very beneficial for students. The aim of the programme is to create opportunities for the students by not only enhancing their educational experience, but also helping them set high goals and aspirations in their future transition to university education. The Sharakah programme will be further enriched by the participation of the National Charity Schools and I am confident that we will be working together towards delivering excellence in all aspects of education.”

Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of Enrollment Management at AUS, also welcomed this partnership, saying: “Both our institutions share several common values. It is part of our mission to make education affordable to every high-achieving student interested in joining AUS, which is why the university offers several financial grants and academic scholarships. The Directorate General of National Charity Schools and its three branches in Ajman, Dubai and Sharjah have been graduating students of high caliber, who are among the top one percent of the highest scoring students in the country. We seek such students of high caliber, who we are confident, will thrive at AUS.”