Caring Sharjah students go back to school for renovation project

More than 200 students from the American University of Sharjah volunteered to help brighten up a school in the emirate

More than 200 university students helped out with a charitable school project in Sharjah.

Hundreds of community-spirited students took on a university challenge to help spruce up a Sharjah school.

More than 200 caring learners from the American University of Sharjah took a break from the lecture hall to take part in a renovation project at the National Charity School in the emirate.

The volunteers were happy to roll up their sleeves as part of the university's 'Hand in Hand' initiative.

They removed posters and repainted walls to give the building a bright new look.

The university also donated 40 computers, 90 tables and chairs, nine blackboards and 60 cupboards as part of the scheme.

Bilal Farid Meer, a third-year student at the university, was delighted to go back to school for a good cause.

"We first had to clean up the place removing all the papers and posters off the walls and in schoolyards and scrape off the old paint from the walls before repainting them," he said.
"It was a big project that took a lot of work and effort but was accomplished in a short time."

Bilal has lent his support to a number of projects led by the university, including revamping a home for orphans in the emirate and improving an accommodation for farm workers.

He spoke of his and fellow students' joy when the pupils of the school surprised them with a special presentation in appreciation of their work.

“I wasn’t much of a socially-engaged student during my first year at the university, but joining this initiative changed me. It helped develop my communication skills, decision-making abilities and always made me remember the importance of modesty and helping others,” he said.

His colleague Khawla Al Nuaimi, a fourth-year electrical engineering student said 'Hand in Hand' projects have been very rewarding.
"It provoked me to think of workers in construction and other hard fields who do it to earn a living," she said.

“I didn’t take part in such events when I first joined the university and I regret that, so I urge first-year students to learn from my experience and to take part. Its not hard to create a balance between our studies and other activities that are deeply rewarding.”