'Refuse to be Ordinary' at AUK

The Office of Student Life launched AUK's Volunteer Program 'Refuse to be Ordinary' on October 18, 2011. This event provided AUK students with the information and opportunity to become significant contributors to the Kuwaiti community through service. Six organizations that perform exemplary service in Kuwait came to AUK. They were Kuwait Red Crescent Society, K's Path, Operation HOPE, PAWS, KACCH and the Kuwaiti Team 4 Global Warming (KT4GW).

The afternoon began with a short address by Dr. Carol, Vice President for Administrative and Student Affairs, where she commended AUK students for their generosity saying, "They will give the shirt off their back and all the money in their pocket." She added that it is now time to take it to the next level and give a helping hand by becoming volunteers. She ended by encouraging them to give their time and effort to help others, to get involved with their hearts and hands because it will make all the difference in the world.

Following Dr. Carol's speech, each organization made a short presentation about what they do, and what volunteers could hope do at their organizations. Once all the presentations were complete, students moved into the hallway where they could go to each organization's table, sign up, ask questions and get more information. Since the organizations were so different, students got an opportunity to select from a wide range of causes that included animals, marine conservation, humanitarian missions, working for the underprivileged, global warming and children in hospital.

The event was attended by over 120 students, as well as others who came to the sign up tables. All those who attended the event were treated to frozen yoghurt from Pinkberry. Overall about 130 students signed up with the six organizations and will soon begin to engage in meaningful service, thus showing that they 'Refuse to be Ordinary'.

The Office of Student Life will continue to serve as a focal point for all those students and staff members who wish to find out more about the participating organizations or to volunteer. For those who missed the event and would like to know how to get involved please stop by the Office of Student Life or email Laveena Lobo at llobo@auk.edu.kw.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 27th October 2011

Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011