By Zayed Alzyoud
The University of Jordan (UJ) won first place in the Best Volunteer Work – Team category of the third edition of the Al Hussein bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Service through its UJ Teletherapy Group, led by Prof. Yaser Natour, Head of the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. The award recognized the initiative’s substantial efforts in providing remote therapeutic services for individuals with speech, language, auditory and communication disorders.
The winners of this year’s edition were selected across four primary categories: Best Individual Volunteer Work, Best Volunteer Team, Best Volunteer Project for Corporations and Best Volunteer Project for Non-Profit Organisations. UJ’s win in the team category positioned the University as a leading contributor to national volunteer initiatives.
The achievement was announced during a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Cultural Palace in Al Hussein Youth City under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, with the attendance of officials and representatives from volunteer and community organisations.
The Teletherapy Group consists of master’s students in Speech and Language Pathology and bachelor’s students in Hearing and Speech Sciences at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. The team works under the direct supervision of Prof. Natour, supported by speech-language therapists, community-based supervisors, specialists from Al-Ahliyya Amman University and volunteer occupational therapists who contributed to several therapy sessions.
Since its establishment in 2020, the initiative has delivered more than 800 free evaluation and therapy sessions addressing speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders, in addition to auditory and language rehabilitation for individuals recovering from strokes and brain injuries. The services continue to expand as part of UJ’s commitment to improving access to specialized therapeutic care for community members who are unable to receive in-person treatment.
Dean of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences Prof. Lara Al-Khlaifat emphasized that this accomplishment reflects UJ’s mission to foster volunteerism and community engagement. She highlighted the humanitarian and academic value of the initiative and encouraged students and faculty to continue advancing their contributions in service of the University and society.
Established on 5 December 2021 to coincide with International Volunteer Day, the Al Hussein bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Service aims to strengthen a culture of volunteerism, support individual and institutional initiatives, enhance social responsibility and recognize impactful contributions to sustainable community development.