AUC students assemble 6,000 Ramadan food packs for families in need

2026-03-07 - 16:33

Students at The American University in Cairo (AUC) organized one of the largest student-led community service efforts on campus this year, assembling 6,000 Ramadan food packs for families in need. The initiative, coordinated by AUC’s Office of Student Life in collaboration with 42 student organizations, nearly doubled the number of food packages prepared during last year’s campaign. Volunteers from across the university gathered to pack essential food supplies destined for underserved communities during the holy month of Ramadan. Students worked in assembly lines across campus to prepare the packages, with participants representing a wide range of academic disciplines, including several international students studying at AUC. The event concluded with a community iftar held in the university’s amphitheater, attended by AUC President Ahmad Dallal and Dean of Students Yorgun Marcel. The student group Musicana performed Ramadan-themed songs during the gathering, marking the end of a day focused on volunteer work and community engagement. Students described the initiative as an opportunity to connect with others while contributing to a broader social cause. Rawan Sherif, a junior studying electronics and communications engineering and vice president of the student organization Resala AUC, said she has participated in the Ramadan packing event for three consecutive years. In addition to helping prepare the packages, she has also taken part in distributing them to families. Participants also included students enrolled in AUC’s First-Year Experience program, which introduces new students to campus life and encourages early involvement in community activities. Organizers say the participation of first-year students reflects ongoing efforts to integrate civic engagement into the student experience from the start of university life. International students joined the initiative as well. Pilar Jordan, a junior visiting from Wayne State University in Michigan, said she wanted to contribute to the community during her time in Egypt, noting that volunteering provided an opportunity to support people in surrounding communities who may lack access to basic resources. Other students highlighted the collaborative atmosphere of the event. Karim Elzahby, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, said the initiative brought together students from different backgrounds who shared a common goal of helping others. For some participants, the event has become a recurring tradition. Salma Hagras, a sophomore and vice president of the Help Club, returned to volunteer after taking part in the initiative last year and encouraged members of her family to join the effort. Over time, Ramadan food packing has become a regular annual activity at AUC, drawing participation from dozens of student organizations and hundreds of volunteers. The initiative reflects a broader trend of student-led community service efforts during Ramadan across Egyptian universities, where volunteering and charitable activities often increase during the holy month. As the packages are distributed to families in need, organizers say the campaign highlights the role student-led initiatives can play in supporting surrounding communities during Ramadan.