Zayed University Launches Action Week

~~Action Week aims to raise around Dh40,000 to empower Syrian women refugees

Abu Dhabi, UAE- 13 November 2016: The Office of Student Life at Zayed University launched yesterday (Sunday) the Academic Bridge Program Action Week in Abu Dhabi campus with aims to raise around Dh40,000 to empower Syrian women refugees in support of Sheikha Fatima’s Sewing Machine Initiative.

The announcement came earlier by Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University, during the celebration of the second Emirati Women’s Day on 28th of August this year.

The Action Week, which started yesterday and will run until Thursday November 17, saw a great response from Zayed University students, staff, and faculty members.

The initiative “Tailoring Workshop of our Mother Fatima” was inspired by a tour of the camp of a group of 19 enthusiastic students of Zayed University on the Humanitarian Work Day on 10th Ramadan under ‘Bring A Smile’ project, part of Zayed University’s Communication Enhancement Center service-learning activities which are based on the principle of social responsibility through leadership service action projects both nationally and internationally.

Funded by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, the trip targeted 300 female student and later expanded with the help of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) to reach 800 children and residents in the camp.

Sheikha Lubna pointed out earlier that the initiative would raise money to fund purchase of 120 sewing machines and tailoring accessories to help women in the camp achieve self-sufficiency from clothing for their families.

Students at Zayed University collected money through selling baked products as well as various food items.

Dana Abdulla and Shaikha Yahya, students at the Academic Bridge Program at Zayed University, expressed their excitement to be part of this campaign that serve a noble cause through helping Syrian women refugees rebuild their lives and achieve their dignity.