In the heart of the UAE, nestled amidst the desert sands and futuristic skylines, a Sharjah university has embarked on a truly unique and sustainable farming endeavor dubbed 'Harvesting Hope.'
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has launched a hydroponic farming initiative that allows students to delve into the latest developments in agricultural technology while also enjoying the nutritional produce from the farm.
The fledgling initiative between the AUS student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (IEEE SIGHT) and The Big Heart Educational Center in Sharjah also strives to empower marginalized students from diverse national backgrounds in the UAE.
With a primary emphasis on addressing issues related to illiteracy, Sara Walid, a senior mechanical engineering student, Chair of IEEE SIGHT, and student project leader, said, "The significance of hydroponics lies in the ability to cultivate plants in nutrient-rich water solutions, eliminating the need for soil. The establishment of hydroponic systems on the AUS campus enables workshops that educate students on optimal plant growth practices, covering topics such as system assembly, potential hydrogen testing, light-emitting diode and water pump configurations, and nutrient solution management."
"The resulting produce will serve as both a hands-on learning tool and a source of fresh, nutritious vegetables, enhancing daily meals," she added.
With financial support from the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Best Practices and Projects Committee, the project monitors its advancement by conducting frequent evaluations and involving students at The Big Heart Educational Center in interactive Kahoot quizzes. This approach ensures that students not only comprehend but also effectively apply the concepts presented.
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