American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the Dubai National Schools (Al Barsha and Al Twar branches) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) recently as part of the university’s popular Sharakah program, which aims to foster partnerships between AUS and select schools in the UAE and region.
The agreement highlights several areas of cooperation between the institutions, including partnering in the recruitment of outstanding students from varied socio-cultural and economic backgrounds to AUS, providing partial scholarships to deserving students nominated by the schools, as well as leading workshops for faculty and staff in areas needed.
The virtual signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Susan Mumm, Chancellor of AUS; Dr. Juan Sanchez, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUS; Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of the Office of Enrollment Management at AUS; Malek Daradkeh, Principal of Dubai National Schools (Al Twar Branch); Suad Abu Harb, Principal of Dubai National Schools (Al Barsha Branch) and various representatives from the three institutions.
“We are looking forward to a very successful and beneficial partnership with the Dubai National Schools. AUS’ number one priority is students. Through this partnership, we aim to create opportunities for school students, enhance their educational expectations and help them set high goals for their undergraduate studies. There is no doubt that this agreement will help us solidify this commitment and further enrich our experiences as both our institutions continue to deliver excellence in education,” said Chancellor Mumm.
Abu Harb said that the agreement with AUS is an important step in expanding students’ horizons and offering them a wider range of educational opportunities.
“As we worked on finalizing this agreement, I have realized that there are many similarities between our institutions. We both put students at the center of our work and uphold high education standards and values that will contribute to the benefit of the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, believes that educating the youth is the best investment there is. I look forward to working together on this journey,” said the principal of the school’s Al Barsha branch.
Daradkeh welcomed the partnership, noting that the caliber of students at the Dubai National Schools has helped them find placement in some of the top universities in the region.
“I am very pleased that we have joined the AUS family. We have always encouraged our students to seek excellence wherever they go. This partnership opens doors for many of our talented students offering them opportunities to receive quality education at AUS. With our combined efforts, we will see our students achieving high honors and graduating to occupy high positions,” said the principal of the school’s Al Twar branch.
The Sharakah program offers a wide variety of activities for high school students and teachers from partner schools. Events range from educational initiatives like the math competition MathFest, the annual Sharakah Sports Festival and more. The program also helps high school students get ready for placement tests through the university’s study skills workshops and offer training programs that support teachers in their professional development. For more information on the Sharkah program and the opportunities it offers partner schools, visit www.aus.edu/sharakah.
