American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) donated US $24,000 to five organizations last week.
CUPECOY–American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine and Adtalem Global Education have made donations totalling US $24,000 to five local non-profit organisations.
The St. Maarten AIDS Foundation, Diabetes Foundation of St. Maarten, St. Maarten Nature Foundation, Safe Haven, and K1 Britannia Foundation each received a financial contribution to help advance programmes that benefit the people and communities of the island. The donations were presented during a reception on AUC’s campus last week.
AUC Executive Dean Dr. Heidi Chumley handed out the donations and thanked each organisation for its partnership and leadership in the community.
“As our partners, you have been instrumental in AUC’s ability to be good stewards on the island,” she said. “We are fortunate to be able to give back and to invest in programmes that advance our shared priorities of improving health, expanding access to education, and preserving the environment.”
Each organisation plans to apply AUC’s contribution to specific programmes and activities aligned with its mission and goals: The St. Maarten AIDS Foundation plans to purchase HIV rapid test kits to be used at free screening events held throughout the island.
Diabetes Foundation of St. Maarten is developing a lecture and workshop series designed to help local medical professionals improve the treatment and care of diabetic foot.
The St. Maarten Nature Foundation plans to develop educational resources to be used in sessions at local schools and restaurants.
Safe Haven is rebuilding and refurnishing its shelter and staff spaces, which were significantly damaged during Hurricane Irma.
K1 Britannia Foundation is expanding its initiatives for at-risk youth, including its GED diploma and international apprenticeship programmes.
Attendees applauded AUC’s work to convene and support local organisations that are striving to make a difference in St. Maarten. For many, the reception was the first opportunity to meet in person and discuss the collective work of local non-profit and non-governmental organisations around the island.
“AUC has been a leader in this community and their social responsibility has been critical,” said St. Maarten Nature Foundation Director Tadzio Bervoets. AUC recently partnered with the Nature Foundation on its Reduce Plastics campaign. The university will be using more biodegradable and reusable materials to help reduce its plastic footprint.
In addition to financial support, AUC collaborates with the five organisations on service-learning and community-engagement programmes.
AUC medical students and staff regularly volunteer at local health fairs, screen and assess the public for health conditions, tutor young adults and children, develop lesson plans, host holiday toy drives, organise beach and trail clean-up events, and provide administrative support and resources.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/77839-auc-donates-to-5-worthy-community-organisations
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