ZU STUDENTS STEER INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE INCLUSIVITY OF PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION

Zayed University (ZU), a flagship Higher Education institution, has recently launched (The UAE Inclusive Youth Network) which successfully educated and trained 41 students over the summer of 2022 to become peer educators and facilitators in topics related to people of determination inclusivity, accessibility, and technology. 

The Youth Network, was initiated by the Department of Student Accessibility Services at Zayed University, and has recently organized a workshop, within the activities framework of the Ministry of Culture and Youth Summer Camp. The aim was to connect the students and raise their awareness of other community members using interactive methods and youth-friendly activities.

Professor Clayton MacKenzie, Zayed University Provost & Chief Academic Officer, said: "We are delighted to see our students giving back to their community through such local initiatives that are governed by local Emirati philanthropists and sponsors. Our students will be qualified enough to raise awareness on the importance of inclusivity of people of determination amongst their community."

The initiative aims to attract students aged between (15 to 30) from schools, universities, youth centers, and non-enrolled People of Determination from the same age group. 

The initiative also aims at equipping youth with the tools and accessibility technology to respond to the rising demands of accessibility practitioners so that they are able to contribute to local and and regional demands.

Zayed University students will continue to play an advocate for the field of inclusivity, and will  organize similar initiatives and outreach activities with the hope to activate the UAE Inclusive Youth Network in other universities and schools with the support of national partners.