A variety of programs and supports aimed at augmenting the student experiences were offered during the first Student Engagement, Training and Service Learning (SETS) event that was recently held at Zayed University (ZU) in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses.

More than 7000 students have registered to participate, learn and explore in a fun and interactive atmosphere.

Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, conducted a tour to oversee the event’s activities and attended some workshops, orientations, and training sessions led by faculty members at Zayed University as well as external speakers.

The event was also attended by Dr. Marilyn Roberts, Acting Provost of Zayed University, Dr. Abdel Mohsen Onsy, Associate Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Fatima AlDarmaki, Assistant Provost for Student Affairs, Shamsa Al Taie, Director of Student Affairs, and Amal Al Khouri, Activities and Events Manager at the Student Affairs Department at Abu Dhabi campus.  

The SETS Day, which aims to build students’ skills for their future career path and support their learning experience, has also seen the participation of external organizations such as the UAE State Audit Institution, the Family Development Foundation, the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, the National Rehabilitation Center and the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development.

 “Zayed University has always been committed to providing professional development training of the highest quality to its students and the SETS event is a new initiative aimed at engaging, training and teaching students service learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service and significant learning experience,” Prof. AlMehaideb said.

“SETS event aims to improve students’ ability to apply what they have learned within academic classrooms and promote a greater interpersonal development, particularly the ability to work well with others, and build leadership and communication skills,” he added.

The Student Career Services and Alumnae Relations Offices have also participated in the event, aiming to provide high quality and professional information, guidance and advice to Zayed University undergraduates and graduates.

“SETS is a great opportunity for many students, who are looking to reinforce their resumes and strengthen their skills for future rewarding careers. We are delighted to welcome a high rate of participation amongst our students in both campuses,” Dr. Fatima Al Darmaki said.   

The SETS event has engaged students in many workshops that aim to promote the spirit of volunteerism in order to gain new insights, give back to the community and help vulnerable people.

“Volunteering allows students to get involved with new initiatives and develop technical, social, and academic skills outside classrooms. Whether you are helping out in renovating houses and schools or visiting centers for the elderly, orphans, or people with special needs, volunteering allows you to gain new experiences, reflect the bright and generous face of the Emirati society, and meet a wide variety of people from all walks of life,” Shamsa Al Taie, who organized Takatof workshop during SETS event, said.

The Takatof workshop was led by Mohammed Al Abbasi, Senior Project Lead-Regional at the Emirates Foundation, who advised and motivated students to get involved and participate in volunteering opportunities that can build up their self-confidence and lift their spirits, whilst contributing to the betterment of their community.

Additionally, the National Rehabilitation Center participated in the SETS event and conducted a variety of workshops, which were attended by many students who were informed on the potential life-threatening effects of drugs.

“The aim of this workshop is to spread drug awareness among students, communicate our message, and highlight the harmful effects of drugs. The National Rehabilitation Center workshops saw a large number of students attending and participating”, Khaled Nabeel, Vice President of the Student Council at Zayed University, said.

“We have around 27 programs that vary between stress management, innovation, volunteering, team building and other training sessions, which witnessed a high participation from male students,” Khaled, who studies finance at Zayed University, added.

Students, who attended training sessions and workshops, earned certifications as part of the Zayed University student co-curricular program that is designed to recognize and record a student’s contribution in the areas of service and experiential learning, training and leadership.

Fatima Al Sayegh, Zayed University senior student at the College of Communication and Media Sciences, said: “I have participated at SETS event in order to develop my communication and leadership skills. I attended the Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Authority session, as I am planning to pursue my internship with them in amd learn more about sightseeing attractions in my country and creative ways to promote them.”

Workshops to raise awareness about working in the private sector were also organized and attended by Zayed University undergraduates and graduates.

“As part of Absher initiative, we organized our workshop to highlight the importance of having more Emiratis working in the private sector and the benefits they are entitled to. The workshop gave students a great opportunity to ask questions and share concerns. It has also featured the promising careers that the private sector can offer outstanding employees,” Shaima Alhajeri, Career Employment Officer at the Student Affairs, said.

Tweet