FDF adopts an approach to engage community members in service development
12 Mar 2025 17:26
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Family Development Foundation (FDF) has adopted a specialised approach based on a comprehensive strategy that assesses community needs. This strategy emphasises engaging community members and stakeholders in the planning and development of its services, aiming to enhance the quality of social services in alignment with the needs of the beneficiaries in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.Exemplifying the importance of such an approach, Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the FDF, stated that the foundation has successfully completed a series of social surveys this year. These studies, being conducted since 2018, carefully assess the needs of families across the Emirate, ana lyse family unity in communities located around FDF centres in Abu Dhabi and identify important social challenges to be tackled through awareness programs based on community feedback. The social research also helps identify specific social services that families require, ensuring efficient delivery of personalised services that are easily accessible within residential areas. Such a targeted approach enables FDF to offer tailored solutions that address pressing social issues, further promoting the development of socially transformative services. H.E. Al Rumaithi also added that FDF remains committed to continuously improving its services, ensuring alignment with the wise directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 'Mother of the Nation,' Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of FDF. Her Excellency further stated that the organisation strives to achieve Her Highness's vision by devising innovative programs and services aimed at elevating the quality of social life of Emirati families, while addressing their diverse needs to promote long-term stability and wellness. H.E. Al Rumaithi further highlighted the commendable social milestones achieved by FDF through these field studies, which are developed to serve the local community, stating that the foundation has conducted over 25 social surveys, covering over 20 residential areas in Abu Dhabi, over the years. The studies were conducted through telephonic interviews with individuals from diverse locations to ensure accurate data collection that will help refine FDF's social services. Her Excellency also underscored the pivotal role of these studies in identifying the requirements of residents and ensuring that FDF's programs are consistently improved to align with their evolving needs. Furthermore, Muneera Majed Al Ali, Director of the Studies and Research Department at FDF, said that the specially designed surveys were developed by FDF's social specialists, in collaboration with the Statistics Center – Abu Dhabi to ensure scientific accuracy. The research included 18,000 individuals of both genders and relied on descriptive analytics as well as advanced statistical tools to generate interactive visual reports.
She also listed key recommendations derived from these studies, such as developing family awareness programs, improving family and psychological support services, as well as providing social services addressing each region's specific needs. Furthermore, in line with its enduring vision to bolster community cohesion, FDF continuously innovates, expanding the scope of these studies to explore new areas, reinforce key social objectives and support the well-being of families within the Emirate.
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