Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice-President of Zayed University and Mrs. Afra Al Basti, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children signed yesterday a collaboration agreement on academic programs and student internships at Zayed University Dubai campus in a ceremony attended by faculty and non faculty members from both parties.

The Agreement consists of providing internships opportunities and workshops as well as offering annual scholarships to selected applicants in the Master of Science in Social Work which Zayed University plans to offer in the coming period.

Commending the efforts deployed by DFWC to apply the highest calibers of excellence in its programs, Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim reiterated the keenness of Zayed University to collaborate with the various institutions and corporations to play a pivotal role in serving the community by offering the best academic and scientific programs aiming to raise the performance level among the various institutions and sectors of the State, adding that with the support and guidance of H. Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, President of Zayed University, the University has envisioned since its inception, the application of modern technology at all administrative and academic levels, colleges, university departments and service community centers, through the provision of best academic programs and preparation of young minds armed with technological skills and knowledge to serve their country, noting that the Collaboration Agreement signed with DFWC represents a great opportunity for ZU students to enjoy training programs and practical work experience.

For her part, Afra Al Basti, DFWAC CEO, said: "We, at the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, are pleased to partner with Zayed University to certify graduates who will contribute to the community development and promote the social work in the U.A.E. With the introduction of Master of Science in Social Work, the community will embrace a caliber of internationally accredited social workers who aims to provide the highest quality of rehabilitative and reintegration services for women and children victims of violence in accordance with international laws and standards." 

In a nutshell, the Agreement includes collaboration on academic programs, including social work certificate and graduate (Master of Science in Social Work) programs, participation in community awareness initiatives by providing guest speakers for awareness symposiums, training of partnering agencies and special events. Along with providing student internships opportunities, DFWC will provide scholarships annually to two accepted applicants to the Master of Science in Social Work. ZU and DFWC agreed to cosponsor selected trainings, conferences and workshops covering topics such as social work methods, ethics, career opportunities community leadership, domestic  violence, human trafficking and child abuse, as well as cooperating on beneficial activities for both parties.