Zayed University students collect donations for human trafficking victims
09 Mar 2015Three Zayed University students launched a charity initiative to provide human trafficking victims at Ewa’a Shelter with the highest quality of rehabilitative and reintegration services, as part of their business communication course at Zayed University’s Abu Dhabi campus.
The business communication course introduces students to primary forms of communication used in business organizations. It helps them learn a variety of strategies and technologies that will support an effective business communication.
The five-day initiative, which is taking place all week, aims to boost the spirit of social responsibility and giving amongst Zayed University students.
“Embedding the spirit of giving back to the community and improving vulnerable people’s lives are major objectives of Zayed University. Students exhibited a strong interest in social responsibility and service learning projects,” Prof. Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, said on the sidelines of the charity initiative.
Naeema Faisal, Safa Ahmed and Fatima Mohammed, freshmen students at the College of Business, said: “We have chosen Ewa’a shelter to create more awareness amongst vulnerable people and safeguard their long-term protection from human trafficking crimes and enhance knowledge on human trafficking crimes.”
“Also the initiative aims to collect donations, which will be allocated to and spent on sewing supplies, swimming or sports tools depending on the amount of contributions we receive,” Naeema, said.
Under the slogan of “Humanity is Living with Dignity,” the five-day initiative witnessed great participation on its first day from Zayed University students, who are concerned about human trafficking and its unjust nature.
“We believe that art has an ability to express ideas and feeling that can’t be expressed with words. Art helps victims of human trafficking to regain their confidence and self-esteem, and develop a positive outlook towards life,” Marwa Al Hussainy, media coordinator at Ewa’a shelter, said.
“It is not the first charity initiative conducted by Zayed University to help victims of human trafficking. Many students had earlier raised funds to buy sewing machines and provide victims with key skills to increase their chances of better jobs and boost their confidence and self-esteem,” Al Hussainy said.
Ewa’a has sheltered over 209 victims since it opened in 2009. Victims are usually referred by the police, embassies, places of worship, a telephone hotline or hospitals.