Introduction
My name is Ali Ahmad Saadat, volunteer activist for human rights, more focused on marginalized groups (people with disability, women, and children) in developing countries, which started when I was a student in 12th class and established a Student Association under the name of Image of Freedom Foundation. A returnee student in the academic sphere to learn new contemporary world matters. I have 14+ years of experience in development, humanitarian, and international cooperation, survival of the current world interdependent relationship at the global level, and leadership experience in coordination with thousands of non-profit/ non-government organizations.
What are your three priorities for the year?
First: Living cost affordability and access to part-time jobs for students who wanted
The housing crisis in Scotland and inflation affect students who rely on their saved money for education and don’t have access to income. The Student Union will find solutions for these problems through active advocacy and resource mobilization from the government, university, and private sectors.
Second: Utilize the existing opportunities for the well-being of students
To meet one of the important objectives of every student, create an environment where each student can establish a professional career network without extra time and resources. Creating relationships with a large group of people around the world would cost considerable time and resources and might not happen forever. Will change the Student Union to a place where you can achieve your objective during your journey at the University of Aberdeen; it will become one of the valuable assets for your life.
Third: Every student's voice regarding academic, financial, technical, and health problems should be heard.
Review all the union's policies to make them more student-friendly and amend them per expectation to meet the union's financial needs through external consumer involvement and fund mobilization. Meanwhile, consider an appropriate solution to offer the union services to students at the lowest price. The student during the education program should only think about their professional development and not waste their valuable time thinking about their basic needs
What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates?
Building alliances for advocacy and developing a sound advocacy strategy is the primary requirement of this position. Developed several advocacy strategies to advocate for change at local, national, and international levels and coordinated representatives for joint efforts at regional and international levels. Resources mobilization skills to fund anticipated activities as per commitment and knowledge of building relationships with various organizations, government entities, private sectors, and non-profit/charity organizations.
What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?
The financial situation affects everyone, especially students, and causes students to face difficulty in paying their tuition fees and cost of living as per their plan, and that creates other problems like financial difficulty, well-being, and health issues and prevents them from achieving their academic goals. The Student's Union must work with students to find the best solution for this could be advocacy, fundraising, and relations building. The solution is in our hands!
