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Zayed University, ZU, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Foundation, in a major step aimed to implementing key priorities of the UAE Government's strategy that focuses on youth development in the country.
The MoU was signed by Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of ZU, and Clare Woodcraft-Scott, Chief Executive Office of Emirates Foundation, in the presence of Dr. Marilyn Roberts, Acting Provost, Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programmes Officer at the Foundation and a number of officials from both sides at ZU 's Abu Dhabi campus.
The MoU serves to highlight and emphasise the cooperation between the two parties and focuses on exchanging knowledge and expertise through encouraging philanthropic initiatives to deliver real sustainable outcomes that are focused and measureable.
According to the MoU, both ZU and Emirates Foundation will establish a joint committee and set strategic plans, which aim to achieve a long-term, positive and tangible impact by empowering more youth to benefit societies in a sustainable way through the Foundation's programmes, which focus on a three- pillar strategy: social inclusion, community engagement and leadership and empowerment. The Foundation's six programmes are Takatof, Sanid, Kafa'at, Think Science, Esref Sah and Kayani.
Emirates Foundation will provide training programmes and meaningful opportunities for ZU students to engage in volunteerism and humanitarian campaigns in addition to inspirational discussions and lectures led by motivational speakers to motivate youth. ZU, in return, will facilitate the delivery of such activities and events on its campuses.
Professor AlMehaideb pointed out that the MoU will support efforts, plans and initiatives undertaken by the university to build a qualified cadre of young people for successful future careers, reinforce their leadership skills and implant the notion of volunteering and community service in their hearts and minds.
"In line with the directives and guidance of Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, MICAD, and President of ZU, the university is always keen on developing youth skills and refine their personalities to prepare them for a successful personal and professional life and enable them to contribute effectively to the progress and prosperity of the nation," he said.
Commenting on the announcement, Clare Woodcraft said, "By signing this agreement, we are fulfilling our commitment towards implementing venture philanthropy as a self-sustaining model for social investment. Our collaboration with Zayed University will go a long way towards enhancing, empowering, and strengthening educational standards in the UAE and give young people access to a wealth of opportunities."
Maytha Al Habsi stressed the importance of collaborating with institutions such as ZU to equip the nation's youth with the skills to make them responsible, proactive and engaged citizens.
She said, "As part of our efforts in delivering a positive and lasting impact on society, we are focused on creating educational opportunities that accelerate the development of young people and enable them to achieve their full potential.
This agreement is the direct result of a clear vision and sustained commitment from Emirates Foundation in its mission of empowering and guiding the UAE youth through its six key programmes and we are confident that the youth will reap the benefits of the important partnership."
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