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SDG 1.4.4

Policy addressing poverty 

 

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Full Scholarships presented to Royal Humanitarian Foundation

In September 2024, ASU presented the Royal Humanitarian Foundation with two full scholarships to study at ASU, an Engineering programme with London South Bank University.

Press Release: https://www.alayam.com/online/local/1069055/News.html

Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/asu_bhce/p/DAlgMGwsIvY/?img_index=1

A Coordinating meeting conducted with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

ASU recently held a coordinating meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to explore collaborative initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable communities. The discussion focused on implementing activities throughout the academic year that would not only benefit students and staff but also uplift local residents facing economic hardships. By leveraging educational resources and community engagement, both organizations aim to create impactful programs that foster social responsibility and economic empowerment. Together, they are committed to developing sustainable solutions that promote equity and enhance the quality of life for all.

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy2gkKbMZJw/?igsh=aTZwdWRiZjhtNjN5

A Coordinating meeting conducted with the ISACA Student Group

ASU recently held its inaugural meeting with the student group formed for the ISACA International Organization. During this gathering, faculty members provided an overview of ISACA’s mission and activities, outlining the objectives and structure of the new student group. They emphasized the significance of this initiative for students, highlighting how it will enhance their professional development and networking opportunities within the field of information systems and cybersecurity. Establishing this group is a vital step toward fostering a community of future leaders who are equipped to tackle evolving challenges in technology and information governance.

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C89TPjkMfVQ/?igsh=eW9hcTl3c2NjOGxl

Solar Energy Fans distributed to the Village of El-Eker  

In collaboration with the Community Engagement Office, ASU distributed solar energy fans to the village of El-Eker. These fans were installed at bus stops throughout the village on Wednesday, 12th June 2024. This initiative is part of the university’s efforts to alleviate energy poverty and improve living conditions by providing sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities.

Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Ur2ntMeaD/?igsh=aXd4cm9lczRnOTZx

New students exempted from paying Registration Fees

For the start of the new academic year 2024/2025, ASU has exempted new students from paying registration fees.

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_0fzp2Mf5Y/?igsh=M2xkZ2JkdzB6dXp

Iftar meals distributed during the Holy month of Ramadan

Every year, ASU distributes Iftar meals during the Holy month of Ramadan which is organized by the Community Engagement (CE) Office. This is done on a yearly basis. In 2024, the CE Office organized a campaign for distributing Iftar meals to the community in the Hoora area on Saturday, 16th March 2024. A number of ASU academic and administrative staff, students and alumni as well as the local community participated in this joyous activity.

Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4n67RusVPu/?igsh=MTAxN2Y4amNsMGkwdQ==

Iftar meals distributed by the Volunteer Club during the Holy month of Ramadan

On 7th April 2024, organized by the Volunteers Club, ASU distributed Iftar meals during the Holy month of Ramadan in Hidd area. The Volunteers Club is formed by ASU students.

Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5dPQmss-y2/?igsh=bHpudDRocjF4cmdv

Ramadan Food Baskets distributed to Families in need  

ASU in coordination with the Community Engagement (CE) Office, distributed 500 food baskets for the families in need through the Al-Eker Charity Society on Friday, 22nd March 2024. This will be done on a yearly basis to aid the local community during the holy month of Ramadan.

Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4sEmpisyHw/?igsh=MWdiZ2VubzVqYjVwdg

Decoration of walls in the village of El-Eker

As part of the initiatives of Community Engagement (CE) Office at ASU and in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan; the CE Office in collaboration with the El-Eker Charity Society a campaign to decorate a number of walls in the village of El-Eker on Saturday, 25th May 2024. A number of academic and administrative staff, students and the local community participated in this activity.

 

Applied Science University acknowledges that these are challenging times for our student community, given the impact of inflation and the personal circumstances that may affect their finances. In response to this, we established the Student Support Fund in 2018, and it has been growing every year. Notably, the number of students seeking support has also increased annually. For instance, in the academic year 2021-2022, a total of 108 students applied to the fund, while in 2022-2023, there were 143 applications, in addition to exceptional cases that exceeded ten students.

The Student Support Fund is designed to assist current students who are experiencing unexpected financial difficulties related to their living costs. The Fund covers tuition fees, ranging from 10% up to 100% of the total cost, depending on the student’s needs and circumstances.

To be considered for the Student Support Fund, students must ensure that they have adequate funding in place before commencing their studies. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they have explored and used all available sources of financial assistance, such as government student loans. Students must also show evidence of realistic financial planning to support their studies.

To apply for the Fund, students are required to register their financial forms on the ASU online platform, which will be reviewed by the Support Fund committee. It is important to note that the Student Support Fund is funded by the University and generous donations from other supporters.

By fulfilling these requirements, students may be eligible to receive financial assistance from the Fund to help alleviate unexpected financial hardships that may arise during their studies.

How to apply:

The Student Support Fund is available to all undergraduate and postgraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria.

The tuition fee discounts offered by the Applied Science University in the Kingdom of Bahrain to high school students who have achieved academic excellence align with the SDG 1 goal of reducing poverty. These discounts help reduce the financial burden on students and their families, enabling them to access quality education and achieve their full potential. By providing financial incentives to students who have excelled academically, the university is promoting equal access to education and supporting the goal of reducing inequalities, as outlined in SDG 1. This approach helps create a level playing field for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, and reinforces the message that hard work and academic excellence are rewarded. By reducing the financial burden on students and their families, the university is also contributing to poverty reduction efforts, as students who are able to complete their education have better chances of securing higher-paying jobs and improving their economic status. The tuition fee discounts offered by the Applied Science University are thus a step towards achieving SDG 1 and promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.

The admitted high school student will receive a one-time discount in the first semester (admission semester) on tuition fees only, and it does not include other fees such as books and others by:

The students listed on the university honor roll are granted the following discounts:

–        The first-ranked student (20%): maximum of 300 dinars

–        The second-ranked student (15%): maximum of 225 dinars

–        The third-ranked student (10%): maximum of 150 dinars

–        The fourth-ranked student up to a hundred (5%): maximum of 75 dinars.

News of Students Support Fund:

https://www.facebook.com/nobmedia/photos/a.598131233622606/3878938728875157/?type=3

 

The education financing scheme between Al Baraka Islamic Bank (AIB) and the Applied Science University is a significant step towards achieving SDG 1, which is to reduce poverty. The scheme aims to provide promising students with the opportunity to obtain a higher education degree at local institutions that are fully equipped to prepare the future generation with the necessary skills required to enter the job market and excel in their future careers. By providing low-profit rates over a maximum tenor of 3 years, the education financing scheme makes higher education more accessible to students who may face financial constraints, thereby promoting equal access to quality education. This initiative by AIB demonstrates its commitment towards supporting students and promoting inclusive education, which aligns with SDG 1. Overall, the education financing scheme offered by AIB and the Applied Science University is a step towards achieving SDG 1 and promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.

Link to news about the agreement with Al Baraka Bank:

https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/al-baraka-islamic-bank-signs-education-financing-agreement-with-applied-science-university-xy0c5u61

The agreement between Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) and Applied Science University (ASU) to provide education financing for students who wish to enroll at the university is a step towards achieving SDG 1, which is to reduce poverty. The financing program aims to facilitate and support students to pursue their academic education at prestigious universities and higher education institutions in Bahrain and abroad. The Shari’a-compliant financing program comes with an exclusive 2-year profit-accruing grace period and includes financing of up to BD 30,000 at low rates.

By providing education financing to students, KFH-Bahrain and ASU are making higher education more accessible to students, regardless of their financial background. This initiative promotes equal access to quality education. This approach helps reduce poverty by facilitating the process of attaining a higher education degree and preparing the future generation with the necessary skills required to enter the job market and excel in their future careers.

KFH-Bahrain’s efforts to support the education sector and contribute to the development of future leaders aligns with SDG 1. Overall, the partnership between KFH-Bahrain and ASU to provide education financing is a step towards achieving SDG 1 and promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.

Link to news articles about KFH MOU:

 

The announcement of the Student Support Fund registration for the academic year 2022-2023:

A newspaper video report on the university Student Support Fund:

The university constantly meets with NGOs locally to discuss ways of cooperation to eradicate poverty, an NGO such as Al Eker Society where the university frequently meets with to discuss how the university can contribute to ending poverty in the area, as a result, the university usually distributes more than 1000 school bags with stationeries to the needy students in the community.

Applied Science University (ASU) is dedicated to supporting the local community by providing assistance to start-up and socially sustainable businesses through relevant education or resources. The university’s Business Incubator Centre has been instrumental in providing support to students with entrepreneurial aspirations. From 2019 to 2023, over 800 students have benefited from the Centre’s activities, and it has supervised 219 start-ups. The Centre has also won several awards, including the Best Company winner for the year 2019 at Injaz Bahrain and the Boeing Stem Challenge Award by Injaz AlArab, among others.

ASU has included “Entrepreneurship and innovation” in its strategic plan to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through a supportive environment. The university introduced an entrepreneurship course (BA161) as a business core course for all colleges, which has been taught since 2018. From 2018 to 2023, there has been a gradual increase in sustainability, with 34% of businesses in the Incubator Centre being sustainable in 2022-2023.

ASU’s impact on society and Bahrain’s economy is significant, as it encourages the development of future entrepreneurs in various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, energy, retail, and services. This aligns with Bahrain’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2030. ASU has also signed several Memorandums of Understanding with various institutions to reinforce its commitment to entrepreneurship development activities.

ASU fosters an entrepreneurial culture by promoting innovation and entrepreneurship activities and encourages its graduates to be job creators rather than job seekers. The university offers potential opportunities for students to participate in various activities and competitions at local, regional, and international levels, including winning “the Company for the year 2019” at Injaz Bahrain and qualifying for the national competition Injaz, Bahrain 2022-23. Overall, ASU’s commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation is a step towards achieving SDG 1 by supporting the start-up of financially and socially sustainable businesses, thereby reducing poverty and promoting a more equitable society.

https://www.asu.edu.bh/business-incubation-centre/about-bic/

https://www.asu.edu.bh/business-incubation-centre/success-stories-achievements/

https://www.instagram.com/asu.bic/?hl=en

 

https://www.instagram.com/tism.bh/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

As part of the initiatives of Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University and in conjunction with the month of holy Ramadan; CE Office in cooperation with the Volunteers Club in the University and coordination with the Al Eker Charitable Society implemented a campaign to paint a house in the village of Al Eker on Tuesday, 28 May 2019. A number of ASU Staff and Students worked together with their colleagues from Al Eker Charitable Society in painting the house. Presenters of Al Eker Charitable Society thanked ASU for the continuous support to the community and Al Eker Village.

On 25 September 2018, the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University presented by Dr Mohammad Alaa Al-Hamami, Manager of Community Engagement Office and Mr Thaer Mustafa AlRamini member of CE Office and Student Care visited the Directorate of Non-GovernmentOrganizations Support at Ministry of Labour and Social Development and meet Mrs Najwa Abdullatif Janahi Director of the Directorate of Non- Government Organizations Support, Mr Salman Mohmed AlSindi General Coordinator of Volunteering Development Center at the Directorate of Non-Government Organizations Support, and Mr Hussain AbdulQader Janahi Supervisor of Volunteering Development Center. During the meeting, Community Engagement Office and Directorate of Non-Government Organizations Support at Ministry of Labour and Social Development discussed the opportunities of cooperation between them.

On Saturday, 6 October 2018, the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University received a delegation from the Directorate of Non-Government Organizations Support at Ministry of Labour and Social Development, included Mrs Najwa Abdullatif Janahi Director of the Directorate of Non-Government Organizations, and a number of Directorate staff. During the visit, Prof Ghassan Aouad, President of Applied Science University, welcomed the visiting delegation, praising the role played by the Directorate of Non-Government Organizations Support. For her side, Mrs Najwa commended the efforts of the University in the various fields, including supporting civil society institutions and the community.During the visit, a coordination meeting was held between the visiting delegation and a Group of Academic Staff of the University to discuss ways of cooperation in areas of mutual interest.  The visiting delegation was briefed on the University’s infrastructure, which included Abdullah Nass Hall, laboratories and classrooms, sports hall, and training and continuous learning centre

Within the initiatives of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University and in coordination with the Department of Political Science and College of Law, ASU visited the United Nation House in Manama on Tuesday, 5 February 2019. ASU was presented by Dr Mohammad Al-Hamami, Manager of Community Engagement Office, Mr Thaer AlRamini Member of CE Office and Student Care, and a Number of Academic Staff included Dr Khaleel Ibrahim, Dr Samer AlDuros, Mrs Ghada Ihsan, Dr Rajab Ebrahem, Dr Ammar Al-Sammarraee, Dr Radwan Kharabsheh, and Students from Political Science Department and College of Law. During the visit, Mr Samir Al-Darabi, the United Nations Information Center Director talked about UN responsibilities, roles and activities. After that, HE Mr Amin El Sharkawi, the Resident Representative of UNDP in Bahrain delivered a Lecture about Sustainable Development Goals. ASU Academic Staff and Students participated in discussions on the topics raised during the visit.

At the end of the Visit, Dr Mohammad Al-Hamami, Manager of Community Engagement Office at ASU thanked the UN House in Manama for the warm reception; he praised the role played by the UN to achieve the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals, and stressed the readiness of ASU to cooperate in supporting UN initiatives in various fields. He pointed out that the students who participated in the visit are specialised in Political Science and Law so that the theory is linked to the application in their study. The visiting delegation included professors of various disciplines to open the way for building cooperation frameworks between the two parties. The Academic Staff who participated in the visit presented ideas and discussed prospects of cooperation that can be made between ASU and UN House.

 

Dr Ammar Al-Samarrai and Dr Nadia Al-Sharidah participated in the International Conference (Zakat and Comprehensive Development – Towards Activating the Civilised Role of the Zakat Law in the Reality of Contemporary Societies), which was held under the patronage of His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs.

The Training, Development and Continuing Education Centre, and the Community Engagement Office organised the number of Lectures provided online to ASU Staff, Students, Alumni, and the Local Community. Dr Bishr Lutfi delivered the first Lecture with the title “Managing the Family Budget” on July 4th, 2020, the Second Lecture with the Title “The Importance of Automating Offices to Enable Remote Work in Times of Crisis” was delivered by Dr Ahmad Shatat on July 5th, 2020, the Third Lecture with the Title “The Future and Importance of Electronic Commerce” was delivered by Dr Samer Shorman on July 6th, 2020, the Fourth Lecture with the Title “Introduction to Photoshop” was delivered by Dr Mohamed Abdeldayem on July 7th, 2020, the Fifth Lecture with the Title “The ABCs of Social Media” was delivered by Dr Mohammad Al- Hamami on July 8th, 2020, and the Last Lecture with the Title “The Art of Self-Development” was delivered by Dr Ibrahim Abualsondos on July 9th, 2020.

As a part of the activities of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University, ASU hosted the closing ceremony of the 11th Edition of the “ بيتكم بيتنا ” Project. Ayadi Relief Organisation organised the Ceremony on February 15th, 2020 in Abdulla Nass Auditorium at the University Campus. The ceremony was the culmination of the project that was launched by Ayadi Relief in its 11th Edition, which included the process of restoration and furnishing of three homes of Bahraini families during a whole month and with the participation of 3 volunteer teams of school students. During the ceremony, the volunteers’ experience in the project was presented,  and honoring the participating teams and supporters.

 

The ASU Community Engagement Office organised a campaign for distributing Iftar meals to the workers at Hoora area in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan on 8th April, 2022. The campaign participants included the Community Engagement Committee, Dr Ramzi Nekhili the Dean of the College of Administrative Sciences, and Students of the College.

The ASU Community Engagement Office, in collaboration with Al Eker Charitable Society, delivered a campaign to paint the facade of two houses in the village of Al-Aker on 21st May, 2022, with the participation of Dr Mohammad Al-Hamami, Manager of Community Engagement Office and Associate Professor in Department of Management Information Systems, a number of Academic Staff, Mr Mohammed Alnajjar, Office Manager of Student Services, the Volunteers Club, ASU Graduates, and Students of the College of Engineering.

The ASU Community Engagement Office, in cooperation with Al Eker Charitable Society, delivered a campaign to prepare and rehabilitate bathrooms for the elderly (senior citizens) in two houses in the village of Al Eker on 25th May, 2022, with the participation of a number of the ASU Academic Staff.

As part of the Applied Science University’s initiatives for community engagement and service, and in conjunction with the Prophet’s birthday, the Community Engagement Office organized a visit to Batelco’s Child Care House (Alternative Care) on Saturday, October 8, 2022, with the participation of a number of academic and administrative staff, the Volunteers Club, students and graduates of the university and the local community . During the visit, a number of recreational activities were held and gifts were distributed to the residents of the house.

As part of the Applied Science University’s initiatives for community engagement and service, the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University organized a campaign to distribute iftar meals to the workers in Al-Hoora on Saturday, 8th April, 2023, with the participation of a large number of academic and administrative staff, the Volunteers Club, students and graduates of the university.

As part of the Applied Science University’s initiatives for community engagement and service, The ASU Community Engagement Office, in cooperation with Al Eker Charitable Society, delivered a campaign to prepare and rehabilitate bathrooms for the elderly (senior citisens) in two houses in the village of Al Eker on 17th June 2023, with the participation of a number of the ASU Academic Staff.

 
Student Fund at ASU

The University established a student fund in the academic year 2015-2016 to provide financial support for students in need. The fund has been successful in providing assistance to a significant number of students, with approximately 597 beneficiaries to date. One notable aspect of this fund is that around XXXX of the students who have received support are female students. This is an important achievement in a region where women’s access to education and financial resources can be limited. The fund has been able to provide financial support for various purposes, including tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. This has helped to alleviate the financial burden on many students and has enabled them to focus more on their studies.  Since its establishment, the student fund has grown significantly, with the amount of funding reaching 500,000 Bahraini dinar. This demonstrates the commitment of the university to supporting its students and ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to succeed. The success of the student fund has also been due to the support of various stakeholders, including the university administration, faculty, and donors. The fund has received contributions from various sources, including individuals, organizations, and businesses.  The impact of the student fund on the lives of the beneficiaries cannot be overstated. For many students, the financial support provided by the fund has been a lifeline, enabling them to continue their studies and pursue their dreams.

To be eligible for support from the fund, students must submit an application that includes information on their financial situation, academic performance, and any extenuating circumstances that may have affected their ability to pay for their education. The committee then reviews the applications and determines the amount of financial support that each student is eligible to receive. Some figures about the student fund for the last 5 academic years, these figures are integrated in the table titled with Students Receiving Financial Aid (5 Years period starting from 2018-2019): 

The Student Services Office at the University is committed to providing a range of support services to students, including affordable accommodation options. The office understands that finding suitable accommodation can be a major challenge for students, especially those who are new to the university or the country. Therefore, the office has established a variety of accommodation options to meet the diverse needs of students.  The office maintains a database of apartments and flats that are available for rent in the surrounding areas. The office helps students to find the best possible accommodation based on their preferences and budget.  The affordable accommodation options offered by the Student Services Office have been a great relief for many students who struggle with the high cost of living in Bahrain. The office’s commitment to providing quality services at affordable prices has helped many students to focus on their studies without worrying about accommodation.  In conclusion, the Student Services Office at the University is dedicated to providing a range of accommodation options that cater to the diverse needs of students. The affordable rates, combined with the quality services and amenities, make the accommodation options offered by the office a popular choice among students. The Student Services Office’s commitment to its students’ welfare has contributed significantly to the university’s reputation as a student-friendly institution .