Nadhmi Auchi Fellows Host Walk for Autism

The current cohort of Nadhmi Auchi fellows has teamed up with ADVANCE, an Egyptian NGO that provides services for children and adults with autism, to raise awareness about their cause and to help them raise funds for ADVANCE programs.

The ten currently enrolled Nadhmi Auchi fellows from Egypt and the Arab world have recently hosted the Walk for Autism at The American University in Cairo (AUC) New Cairo campus. The all-day event gave AUC students an opportunity to hear from members of ADVANCE about the importance of their work and to show solidarity for the rights of people with special needs by joining a walk through campus. Auchi fellow from Yemen Othman Mansour pointed out, “This is the first time anyone has introduced the cause of autism on the AUC campus.” 

Before the walk began, Omar Kandil from Egypt, another fellow, stressed to the audience of AUC students, faculty and staff that, "As a community, we need to get more involved. It is important for all of us to get involved in our communities and to get acquainted with the work ADVANCE is doing. We, as a cohort, have made a commitment to ADVANCE and we hope AUC stays committed to this cause for years to come."

Mansour continued, “We would like to establish awareness about this cause and make these efforts a part of the culture of AUC. We plan to start a student group on campus that partners with ADVANCE to continue to promote and support the amazing work they are doing in Egypt.” 
 
The Nadhmi Auchi Young Arab Leaders Fellowship is a graduate program that aims to develop future public service and community leaders in the Arab world. To date the 30 awarded Nadhmi Auchi fellows have demonstrated a commitment to serving others throughout their undergraduate and professional experiences and each fellow is currently pursuing an advanced degree at AUC. As part of the fellowship, each cohort designs and implements projects intended to leave a lasting impact on their communities.