Child Safety Organisation Strengthens Child Protection with New Initiative for Parents in Sharjah
Sharjah: The Child Safety Organisation (CSO) has launched the Ahl Al Athar initiative, aimed at enhancing child safety and protection within school communities. This four-month program will select and train 15 members from Parents’ Councils in Sharjah City and the Central and Eastern regions, providing them with essential skills and knowledge to promote child safety.
Initiative Overview
The Ahl Al Athar initiative, which translates to “People of Values,” was inaugurated during an event attended by various partner organizations and members of Parents’ Councils. Under the slogan “Awareness Creates Impact,” the program seeks to establish a network of parent ambassadors who will work collaboratively with schools to raise awareness about child safety and strengthen cooperation among families, educational institutions, and organizations focused on prevention and child protection.
Participants in the initiative will undergo a structured training program, receiving accredited training and practical tools to facilitate awareness activities in their schools and communities. The effectiveness of the program will be assessed through a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework.
Collaborative Partnerships
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with several key organizations, including the Parents’ Councils affiliated with the Department of District Affairs, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the UAE Cybersecurity Council, Emirates Health Services, and the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. This partnership underscores a collective commitment to enhancing child safety, particularly in the context of recent national efforts to bolster online protection for children, such as the UAE Cabinet’s decision to set a minimum age of 15 for social media usage.
Focus on Parental Engagement
Hanadi Al Yafei, Director-General of Child Safety, emphasized the critical role parents play in recognizing changes in their children’s behavior and well-being. She stated that the Ahl Al Athar initiative aims to equip parents with practical tools to identify early warning signs and foster trust with their children. This approach is designed to help parents navigate the challenges posed by today’s digital and social environments.
Al Yafei further noted that the initiative aspires to integrate awareness into everyday practices within families and school communities, ultimately creating safer environments for children. She highlighted the importance of continuous learning and awareness among parents and caregivers, while also preserving community values and national identity.
Training Components
Manea Saeed Al Darmaki, Director of the Parents Councils Department, remarked on the structured training provided by the initiative, which includes child safety, communication skills, dialogue facilitation, and awareness delivery. He expressed gratitude to CSO and its partners for recognizing the essential role parents play in their children’s development and protection.
Maryam Al Abdouli, Initiatives and Activities Coordinator at CSO, pointed out that the initiative addresses a significant need identified within schools and families. Many parents are eager to protect and support their children but require clear guidance and reliable information on child safety. The initiative aims to build a network of trained individuals within school communities who can promote child safety effectively.
Discussion on Values and Awareness
As part of the launch event, CSO hosted a discussion titled “Ahl Al Athar: From Parents’ Values to Children’s Awareness,” featuring Ayesha Al Mulla and moderated by Ghaith Al Hosani. The session focused on the importance of positive role models and national values in empowering younger generations and enhancing their protection in both social and digital contexts.
Al Mulla emphasized the necessity of dialogue and trust in parent-child relationships, particularly in today’s digital age. She urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online interactions while ensuring that discussions about safety are grounded in cultural values and ethics.
Comprehensive Training Approach
The Ahl Al Athar initiative combines knowledge development, train-the-trainer preparation, and school-based implementation. Training will encompass six key areas: digital safety, family communication, psychological and educational support, protection and psychological response, social values and positive habits, and responsible media engagement.
Applications for the program will be coordinated with Parents’ Councils and partner organizations. Candidates will be selected based on an application and interview process adhering to approved eligibility criteria. Participants are required to attend at least 80 percent of program sessions, complete assessments and practical assignments, and adhere to the program’s code of conduct and professional standards.
Measuring Impact
CSO has indicated that the initiative’s impact will be evaluated through participation rates, training outcomes, school-based awareness activities, and participant feedback. Through Ahl Al Athar, the organization aims to reinforce the role of parents in child protection, foster a community network that supports children’s safety and well-being, and enhance collaboration among families, schools, and relevant institutions.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-06-24 21:54:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk