UAE: Ramadan initiative to help 500 needy students complete education

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and Zakat Fund have launched a charitable initiative to raise money to help hundreds of local and expatriate students in the UAE facing financial problems complete their studies.

The 'Our Youth Our Responsibility, Our Zakat Our Immunity' initiative, which is now in its 12th year since its launch, has raised more than Dh71 million and extended financial aid to 3,580 students.

This year, the fund aims to reduce the financial burden of 500 deserving students who are eligible zakat recipients.

Abdullah Bin Aqeeda Al Muhairi, Secretary General of Zakat Fund said: "For the past eleven years, the 'Our Youth Our Responsibility, Our Zakat Our Immunity' initiative has continued to raise funds in support of deserving and eligible students.

"This has been made possible through the joint efforts of the Zakat Fund and Abu Dhabi University. Our combined efforts, for more than a decade, has supported the UAE's education system by providing valuable academic opportunities for young people. The Zakat Fund builds on our collective obligation to strengthening social solidarity amongst both individuals and institutions."

He added: "We look forward again to extending our support to as many local and expatriate students as possible who meet the zakat requirements according to the approved regulations of the Zakat Fund. The initiative has allocated Dh60 million each academic year covering students' tuition fees throughout their study at Abu Dhabi University. The Zakat Fund has taken multiple measures to ensure that funds reach those that are most in need."

Dr Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi University, emphasized the importance of the initiative in providing better opportunities for students with limited financial resources and outstanding academic performance.

"The fund enables these students to excel in their field of study while reducing their financial burden," said Dr Al Dhaheri.

He reaffirmed Abu Dhabi University's commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading organizations such as the Zakat Fund.

ADU's Chairman reaffirmed that Abu Dhabi University and the Zakat Fund will continue to work together to extend support to deserving undergraduate students in the University's Abu Dhabi or Al Ain campuses, which is what the initiative has succeeded in doing since its launch more than a decade ago.

Dr Bin Harmal added that the initiative has seen many of its beneficiaries graduate and enter the labour market with confidence.

- ismail@khaleejtimes.com