Sustainable AASTMT

15.2.2 Sustainably farmed food on campus...

PROSPEROUS LIFE POLICY

No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being

Introduction

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are pivotal goals fulfilling world-changing objectives. Recognizing that the action in one area will unquestionably affect others, integration of the goals for the Prosperous Life overarching the No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Good Health and well-being goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Scope

Applicable to all AASTMT members across campuses

Policy Statement

This policy aims to present the strategies and actions taken by AASTMT to contribute to eradicating poverty, hunger and maintaining good health and well-being. The policy is to provide the framework, and performance indicators for all members to review and abide by all attached measures where the desired main goal is to successfully make healthy behavior and community service a habit or a second nature to all AASTMT members. Also, AASTMT is enhancing its food sourcing and provisioning methods to promote sustainability, ensuring wholesome, locally sourced, seasonal, and sustainably produced food served across campuses in collaboration with the Student Union and academic departments. The initiated performance indicators are tailored to satisfy the present needs of the cluster goals and act as building blocks for future development. The policy has been developed per 2030 the Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Strategies:

1. Proportion of students receiving financial aid: Within the framework of eradicating poverty in all its forms, achieving social protection, social security and welfare, health insurance and reducing inequalities, AASTMT supports parents who are struggling financially and are unable to fulfill their academic merits especially in developing countries. AASTMT Provide support to 10-15% of new students each semester based on need.
2. University anti-poverty programs: AASTMT Supports financially struggling students through financial support programs to achieve social equality and investment. Some charitable organizations provide scholarships and financial support to AASTMT students. There are full scholarships from the Academy for students in developing countries, whether at the bachelor’s level in colleges or in postgraduate programs provided that the student maintains his academic excellence.

1. Community anti-poverty Programs: AAST Entrepreneurship Center fosters youth development and innovative startups. Institute of Technical and Vocational Studies integrates technical, managerial, training, consultation, and laboratory facilities to proactively create market-driven resources to provide a high-quality educational environment, help solve business problems and fulfill industrial needs. AASTMT is keen on playing a vital role in Social Responsibility through a variety of academic and non-academic activities to affect positive development in the social, economic, and environmental areas not only in the region and the Arab World but also bears fruit on the whole world.

1. Student Hunger Actions:
   • Provide low-cost food partnerships with grocery stores.
   • Establish a food bank for students in need.
   • Ensure healthy, affordable, and sustainable food options on campus.
   • Conduct regular audits of suppliers to ensure adherence to AASTMT’s sustainability standards and guidelines.
   • Ensure the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging aiming to drastically reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste generated on campuses.
   • Mandatory Sustainability Training for all food service employees to undergo training on sustainability practices, ensuring they apply these principles in daily operations.
   • Purchasing and Sourcing: Fair-trade, organic, and sustainably farmed items are the AASTMT's top priorities when it comes to sustainable procurement from Egyptian suppliers, particularly in the Nile Delta and other agricultural areas.
   • Health, Well-being and Environmental Accountability: The AASTMT promotes health and well-being through balanced meals, educational initiatives, and student involvement in campus gardens and sustainability projects, promoting a culture of sustainable living and environmental sustainability.

National Hunger Actions:

1. Events for Farmers: Support local farmers, including women, through visits and events.
2. Partnerships: Collaborate with the Egyptian Agricultural Bank and Halwani Brothers to provide scholarships and practical training.
3. Agribusiness Incubator: Support aspiring entrepreneurs in agribusiness initiatives.
4. Access to Facilities: Connect local farmers with AASTMT facilities for resources.

Health Programs:

• AASTMT is committed to promoting health and well-being in alignment with its values and dedication to fostering a safe, supportive learning environment.
• AASTMT Clinic offers comprehensive medical services in diverse health fields and partners with reputable hospitals, pharmacies and clinics.
• Gymnasium and health club for sports and fitness programs.

Infectious and Non-Communicable Disease Awareness and Prevention:

• Raising awareness and providing resources related to all infectious and non-communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension, etc, through health workshops, informational campaigns, and on-campus health screenings.
• Stringent safety precautions including temperature checks, vaccination availability, social distancing, and sanitation.
• Specific regulations within labs and protocols for suspected cases.

No Smoking Policy and Awareness:

• AASTMT actively encourages a smoke-free campus through strict no-smoking policies, enforcing penalties, and awareness campaigns highlighting the risks of tobacco use.
• Educational programs, led by health experts, inform students about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.

Hazardous Substances Handling and Disposal:

• Ensure proper labeling, risk identification, exposure monitoring, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure proper disposal of all hazardous waste through establishing collaborations with special companies for safe disposal of chemical and biohazardous waste.

Mental Health and Emotional Wellness:

Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, AASTMT has implemented a range of mental health initiatives to support both students and staff.

• The Faculty Development Center offers training courses on topics like compassionate communication and emotional intelligence, aimed at strengthening resilience and promoting mental health within the academic staff community.
• Counseling services, support groups, and stress management workshops for students to equip them with essential coping mechanisms and ensuring access to mental health resources during challenging times.
• AAST clinic provides specialized services, including mental and psychological therapy and awareness sessions for all staff members.