Sharjah: The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation (SSEF), in collaboration with the American University of Sharjah (AUS), has launched a series of specialized training courses for approximately 50 students affiliated with the foundation. This initiative is part of the Teach with a Pen project, which aims to support the education of orphaned students.
According to Emirates News Agency, the program included the Generation of Speakers course and an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) preparation course, both supervised by volunteer students from AUS. This initiative underscores SSEF's dedication to academic empowerment and skill development, preparing students for higher education.
The Generation of Speakers course emphasized the development of effective communication and public speaking skills, building self-confidence, and enhancing personal presence through interactive training. Key components included expressive skills and crafting impactful messages. The IELTS preparation course aimed to improve students' academic performance by developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in accordance with international test standards.
Nawal Al-Hamdi, Director of the Social Welfare Department at SSEF, stated that the collaboration with the American University of Sharjah marks an important strategic milestone in the comprehensive empowerment of their children. It demonstrates their commitment to providing advanced programs that combine personal development with academic readiness, preparing students who have lost their fathers to navigate university life with confidence and competence.
She further mentioned that developing communication and language skills is crucial for building self-aware personalities capable of positive societal interaction. Such programs help uncover students' potential and strengthen their self-confidence and personal identity. The long-standing partnership with AUS has facilitated the transfer of academic expertise and training experience to students, supporting the foundation's goal of preparing a capable and self-reliant generation.
Aisha Al-Raisi, Senior Director of Community Service and Student Leadership at AUS, highlighted that the partnership with SSEF serves as a model of effective community collaboration and reflects the role of educational institutions in promoting sustainable development. She emphasized the continuation of educational workshops delivered by university students, noting their positive impact through knowledge exchange and skills development.
She added that at the American University of Sharjah, there is a focus on harnessing students' expertise to serve the community through quality educational initiatives. The reimplementation of the IELTS course for the second time, alongside the Generation of Speakers course, confirms the success of these efforts and the commitment to achieving lasting positive impact.
Mohammed Mahmoud Abu Bakr, a student from the Faculty of Industrial Engineering at AUS, expressed that leading the Generation of Speakers program was one of the most impactful experiences of his university journey. He noted that the initiative extended beyond academic theory, focusing on character building, social intelligence, and communication skills, reinforcing the belief that confident expression can bring about tangible change.
These courses are part of a broader series of collaborations between SSEF and AUS, aimed at enhancing program quality and ensuring a sustainable educational and skills impact, supporting students' journeys toward a future grounded in knowledge and comprehensive empowerment.