Latest news with #ChildSafetyDepartment
Sharjah 24
17-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
"Sharjah Children" organises awareness session for parents
Key speakers and topics The session featured presentations from Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafai, Director General of the Child Safety Department, Noura Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of Sharjah Children, and Dr. Bina Youssef Bouzaboun, Mental Health Officer at KANAF Center within the Child Safety Department. They discussed the importance of the family in shaping a child's personality and boosting their self-confidence through role modeling and the active practice of values, rather than just verbal guidance. Emphasis was placed on fostering family cohesion through effective communication at home and using the Arabic language to enhance national and cultural identity among children. Important discussions The session covered several crucial topics, including instilling national identity, teaching children good manners through daily practices, and promoting values of humility, self-confidence, and respect for others. Additionally, it addressed regulating social media use and balancing academic achievement with skill development. The speakers stressed the need for parents to clarify that participation in the "Sharjah Children's Council" is not aimed at fame or media exposure, but rather as an opportunity to develop their skills and enhance their social responsibility. Statements from leaders In this context, Her Excellency Khawla Al Hawai, Director of Sharjah Children, stated: "We believe at Sharjah Children that the family is our true partner in building and empowering aware and influential generations. It is the first environment where values are instilled, trust is built, and personality is formed. This awareness session on International Family Day reaffirms this pivotal role, especially with the parents of the members of the Sharjah Children's Council, who represent the voice of their peers." She added, "We value our collaboration with the Child Safety Department, as we share a common goal of protecting the child and developing their personality in a balanced manner. Through this integration, we establish a supportive environment that contributes to building a generation capable of interacting with the challenges of the times while retaining their identity and culture." Commitment to child welfare Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafai emphasised, "At the Child Safety Department, we believe that an aware family is the first fortress and solid foundation for a child's growth in a safe environment that guarantees their security and nurtures them with high values that shape their personality. The best interests of the child are realized within a cohesive, loving family that understands their psychological and social needs. Based on this firm belief, the Emirate of Sharjah reaffirms its commitment to empowering children by enhancing stable family environments that are aware of their vital role in this journey." Ongoing initiatives This workshop is part of a series of initiatives and programs that "Sharjah Children" is committed to providing, believing in the importance of enhancing the role of parents as essential partners in supporting their children's journey. The collaborative relationship between the family and the institution forms a solid foundation for building a balanced and capable generation, equipped with the skills to face future challenges.
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Zawya
Child Safety Department hosts workshop championing children's rights as part of the UAE's Year of Community
Hanadi Al Yafei: 'Awareness of the law is not solely the duty of security; it is incumbent upon every community member'. Sharjah: As part of the UAE's "Year of Community" national program under the theme "Hand in Hand," the Child Safety Department (CSD), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah (SCFA), conducted an awareness workshop titled 'Children's Rights: A Right for All Children' at Muweilah Park, Sharjah. Organised in collaboration with the Public Prosecution and Sharjah Municipality, the workshop specifically targeted Asian communities residing in the emirate, aiming to enhance public awareness of child rights and legal protections. A collaborative initiative for child protection The workshop was led by Mr. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Head of the Public Prosecution, and attended by Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafei, Director-General of CSD, alongside 120 parents and child protection specialists. The session forms part of a series of educational initiatives that CSD will implement across various locations in Sharjah throughout the year. In her address, Al Yafei underscored the importance of child protection, describing it as a 'triangle of safety' that consists of awareness, legal safeguards, and a secure environment. She stated: 'Raising awareness is the first step in equipping children with the knowledge and tools to recognise and respond to risks. Laws serve as the structural framework that protects them from neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Lastly, a safe environment—whether at home, in school, or in public spaces—ensures children grow up with confidence and security.' She further emphasised the UAE's leadership in enacting progressive child protection laws, citing key legislative measures such as the Child Rights Law (2016, amended in 2024) and the Compulsory Education Law (2022). However, she noted that 'Awareness of the law is not solely the duty of security institutions and legal professionals; it is incumbent upon every family, educator, and community member.' Key themes and preventive measures The session highlighted the family's role as the first line of defense in child protection and explored various rights enshrined in UAE law, including health, social, educational, and cultural rights, as well as the right to a safe environment. Discussions also addressed risks such as neglect, physical or psychological abuse, and economic exploitation. Participants were urged to report any suspected violations immediately to ensure prompt intervention. Additionally, the workshop provided actionable steps to prevent child endangerment, advising parents against leaving children unattended, allowing them to interact with strangers in unsupervised settings, or permitting unsafe activities such as playing near roads or high balconies. Security measures for park supervisors and public space monitors were also reinforced, given their role in ensuring child safety in recreational areas. Community vigilance and support Recognising the collective responsibility in child protection, the initiative equipped participants with clear guidance on identifying warning signs and reporting child safety concerns through the confidential Child Helpline (800700). The session concluded with a strong call for community-wide involvement in upholding child rights, reinforcing that a safe and informed society is key to ensuring the well-being of all children.
Gulf Today
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sharjah's 'A Storyteller in our Park' spotlights safety for children
The Child Safety Department (CSD), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah, has launched the 'A Storyteller in our Park' initiative to mark the centenary of Sharjah Libraries. Held at Al Qarayen Park, the event brought together more than 40 children for an interactive and educational experience, in collaboration with Sharjah Municipality. Encouraging a love for reading through safety-themed stories Designed for children aged 3 to 12, the initiative underscores CSD's commitment to fostering community partnerships between government and cultural institutions, using literature and storytelling as tools to raise awareness about child safety and social values in an engaging and innovative way. Through carefully curated storytelling sessions, children explored themes of personal safety, responsibility, and cultural appreciation, reinforcing the importance of reading in a child's intellectual and emotional development. The initiative also sought to encourage parents to nurture a reading culture at home, helping to cultivate a generation of informed and conscious young minds. Interactive storytelling and creative workshops "A Storyteller in our Park" featured a range of interactive and educational activities designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity. The event kicked off with storytelling sessions, where children enjoyed specially selected stories produced by CSD, tailored to their age group. To enrich the experience, children participated in mini-workshops on storytelling techniques and illustration, encouraging creative expression and imaginative thinking. The initiative also reinforced its cultural message through vibrant visual displays, including banners and promotional materials placed around the park, alongside a custom-designed logo that captured the essence of the event and its goals. To encourage ongoing reading beyond the event, educational gift packs were distributed among participants, featuring learning materials and resources designed to strengthen children's connection with books and storytelling.
