Zayed University and the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a social empowerment programme that supports low-income students to complete their college studies successfully.

The agreement was signed by H.E Khaled Al Kamda, Director General, Community Development Authority, and Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University, in Zayed University Dubai campus and in the presence of Dr. Sayed Mohammed Al Hashimi, CEO of CDA's Corporate Services, Dr. Larry Wilson, Provost of Zayed University, Dr. Asma Obaid, Student Affairs and Cultural Counselor at Zayed University, and a number of official administrators from Zayed University and the CDA.

The initiative consists of a collaboration between Zayed University and CDA to provide financial assistance to low-income students at the University, and support their academic performance and educational attainment.The programme includes a direct monthly financial assistance to 85 students, for a period of nine months with a total value of AED 765,000. The assistance will cover computers, transportation, allowance and daily meals. In addition, CDA will register volunteers from students nominated by Zayed University and will monitor their hours of volunteering.

Al Kamda said: "CDA seeks to empower the youth by providing a high quality programme of social and educational services. Helping and supporting low- income students in their education is a top priority for us as it will enable them to play a crucial role in driving comprehensive growth. Providing them with computers, transportation allowance and daily meals allowance will help decrease the financial burden on them thus allowing them to focus on their studies in order to build a bright future".

Al Jassim praised this initiative and mentioned it is in line with both CDA and Zayed University’s strategy to enhance team work between organizations and promote education and strengthen corporate social responsibility: “CDA plays an effective role in boosting social standards in Dubai, offering globally best services and empowering as well as supporting students. We are delighted to join hands with CDA and are committed to enhance our co-operation with all authorities concerned to contribute to the overall social development.”