Aim:

The AAESS Volunteer club has been created to offer students the opportunity to develop important life skills outside of the classroom. Aiming to develop social skills, working collaboratively with others and improving communication skills.

Benefits of volunteering:

Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. Volunteering and helping others can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.

Building social skills through volunteering, Socially, the benefits of volunteering show up quickly and have long-term effects. Social interaction improves mental and physical health. The benefits of consistent socializing include better brain function and lower risk for depression and anxiety. You also improve your immune system.

There are a huge range of skills you can acquire through volunteering, starting with:

• The ability to work in a team
• Leadership
• Problem solving and adaptability
• Communication skills
• The ability to plan and prioritise
• Time management
• Improved interpersonal skills.

If you would like to get involved in the AAESS volunteering club please email or speak to Mr Rudling – rjrudling@aaess.sch.ae

Duke of Edinburgh Award – anorton@aaess.sch.ae

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised award that is delivered to over 300,000 students in over 140 countries. The award allows students to develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure; the Award can play a critical role in their development outside the classroom.

The Award is designed to be a very personal experience for each participant; therefore, each student needs to choose a program of activities that best suits their needs and interests. It is also their responsibility to complete, evidence and record all of their activities before they complete their qualification.

If you are looking at or currently working towards completing one of the below D of E awards, the volunteering club can count towards your service component.

• Gold – 9 months
• Silver – 6 months
• Bronze – 3 months

(Unless you choose your service to be your major).

Opportunities for students to get actively involved in volunteering:

Sign Up Form: https://goo.gl/forms/Os4Ty5IypOWzgHno1

Year 5 & 6 Sign Up Form: https://goo.gl/forms/oG74s0xI7SU2HCfu1