At AUC’s annual Volunteers in Action campus wedding for orphaned women, students turn months of planning and service into a celebration of love
Wedding bells chime through AUC New Cairo once a year: the campus wedding for orphaned women hosted by Volunteers in Action (VIA), a student-run organization established in 1996 that targets the welfare of orphans in Cairo. From providing gehaz (household items) to coordinating venues and decorations, AUC students play a key role in creating a magical celebration for these brides.
“Students who participate in the VIA wedding describe it as one of the most meaningful and emotional experiences of their University journey,” said Ahmed Tawfik, construction engineering senior and VIA president. “Many are moved by the direct impact they can see — months of preparation culminating in a single day of joy for the couples. It shifts their perspective on volunteering from a task-based activity to a deeply personal experience, where they witness the tangible difference they can make in someone’s life.”
The first wedding hosted at AUC took place in 2005, supporting women who had grown up at orphanages in Cairo. At the time, the Housing and Supplies Committee noticed that many orphaned women were getting married shortly after Eid, often without the means to celebrate properly. This insight led Marwa Yahya, then head of housing, to organize a collective wedding ceremony for three brides.
Since then, the initiative has grown into a yearly tradition. The wedding itself typically includes three to five brides, with the largest wedding hosting seven. The support VIA offers also includes providing essential household items for up to 30 brides annually. The initiative has evolved from only offering material support to creating a full wedding experience.
“It is not just about meeting material needs but about restoring dignity, creating joy and fostering a sense of belonging.”
For students involved in organizing the annual wedding, the process extends far beyond a single day. They spend months prepping for the big event and securing sponsors for various aspects of the ceremony. They coordinate hair stylists, makeup artists, photographers, DJs and performers, while also supplying the household items to help couples begin married life comfortably. Through this, they gain valuable skills not only as volunteers but also as event planners and fundraisers.
“Student involvement is at the heart of the VIA wedding,” shared Mariam Elyyan, business marketing senior and VIA vice president.
While students play a central role in planning and funding the weddings, the wants and wishes of the brides remain equally important. Brides are involved in many aspects of the planning and choose elements of the setup such as dresses, styling and decor. Having a say in their wedding day helps ensure it still feels personal and meaningful.
This year, two women from Dar El Fath orphanage were married in a heartfelt ceremony on a warm evening in late March. Students shared the emotional milestone, held at The Allam Amphitheater on the New Cairo campus. The couples cut their cakes, took photos and danced long into the night.
“It is not just about meeting material needs but about restoring dignity, creating joy and fostering a sense of belonging,” Elyyan added. “For the wider community, it highlights the power of collective action and reinforces the importance of supporting vulnerable groups in a holistic and compassionate way.”
AUC President Ahmad Dallal also attended the ceremony, sharing his well wishes for the couples. “On behalf of the University, I would like to first congratulate our wonderful couples … wishing you a blessed and happy life together,” he said. “Second, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Volunteers in Action, Dr. Dina Rateb and the Office of Student Life for their outstanding efforts in organizing this meaningful wedding as part of their civic engagement initiatives. Your dedication, compassion and commitment to serving the community truly reflect the values we strive to uphold.”