"National Child Development" Launching the summer version of the program "Generation 71"

ABU DHABI, July 19, 2017 (WAM) – The National Academy for Child Development, in cooperation with the Ministry of Family, launched the new summer edition of the national program “Generation 71” under the slogan “A Generation Built by Values,” as part of joint efforts aimed at strengthening national identity, consolidating Emirati values, and developing life skills among children, through purposeful educational and interactive programs that contribute to preparing a generation that is aware and proud of its values ​​and identity.

The program, which coincides with the Year of the Family in the UAE, embodies cooperation between the National Academy for Childhood Development and the Ministry of Family in developing and implementing quality programs that contribute to the empowerment of children and families.

The Ministry of the Family is keen to unify national efforts through coordination with partners to support the implementation of the program, expand its reach and promote it, to spread community awareness of the importance of children’s participation in purposeful activities, in addition to promoting the exchange of knowledge, visions and experiences in the fields of family and childhood development, while the Academy is responsible for designing the programme, developing its content and presenting it, based on its specialized expertise, which contributes to providing an interactive educational experience that enriches children’s knowledge and develops their life skills.

The launch of the new version comes as a continuation of the success achieved by the first version of the program, which attracted more than 2,700 registration requests, benefited more than 400 children, and was implemented in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, reflecting the increasing demand for national initiatives aimed at developing children and enhancing their national belonging.

The new version of the program was designed to target children from 9 to 13 years old through training workshops and educational and applied activities that combine learning and practical experience, and encourage children to think, interact, and work collectively to apply the knowledge and skills they acquire in various life situations.

This year, the program’s activities are being held in four stations across the country, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah. The activities of each station continue for four days during the morning period from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and all workshops are provided free of charge in the Arabic language, with separate programs allocated for boys and girls, taking into account the privacy of each group.

The first stop of the program began in Abu Dhabi, from July 13 to 16 at the headquarters of the National Academy for Childhood Development, followed by Sharjah from July 20 to 23 at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, then Ajman from July 27 to 30 at the Ajman Youth Center, and the program concludes in Fujairah from August 3 to 6 at the House of Philosophy.

The Academy called on parents to take the initiative to register their children in the program, stressing that participation is free, and that seats are limited, allowing children to benefit from a rich educational and interactive experience that enhances national values ​​and life skills.

The program took its name from the year 1971, the year the United Arab Emirates was established, emphasizing the importance of instilling the values ​​of the founding fathers and consolidating national identity in the hearts of new generations.

The program includes four main axes for both boys and girls, as the girls’ workshops include “Our Daughters’ Kindness” to enhance Emirati good manners, establish good morals, and develop a sense of responsibility and independence; “Our dress is our identity” to enhance awareness of Emirati adornments and customs, and to introduce traditional jewellery, gold and dukhons as part of the Emirati heritage. “Our Money is Our Trust” to develop financial culture and entrepreneurship, promote the concepts of saving, spending, and financial planning, and design the first commercial project. “Our creativity distinguishes us” to develop creativity, artistic expression, drawing, and holding art exhibitions.

The boys’ workshops include “Promoting Our Children” to enhance Emirati behavior, establish good morals, and develop a sense of responsibility and independence. “Our Values, Our Pride” introduces the UAE’s heritage and the values ​​of our fathers and grandfathers, and explores popular arts such as Al-Razfa and Al-Yawla. “Our safety is our responsibility” to develop awareness of the concepts of security and safety, first aid, and proper behavior in emergency situations and circumstances. “Our Trade, Our Future” aims to develop financial culture and entrepreneurship, enhance the concepts of saving, spending, and financial planning, and plan, implement, and present projects.

Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of the Family, confirmed that the “Generation 71” program reflects the Ministry of the Family’s orientation towards providing qualitative initiatives that give children realistic experiences that develop responsibility, encourage the spirit of initiative, and enhance pride in the Emirati heritage, in an inspiring educational environment in which the roles of the family and national institutions are integrated, noting that summer vacation represents a valuable space to strengthen the relationship between the child, his values, and his identity, when it turns into a rich experience that combines learning, practice, and self-discovery.

She added that building a child’s personality takes place through daily situations and experiences that instill values ​​and transform them into behavior and practice, which the Ministry is keen to consolidate through national partnerships that provide purposeful content that keeps pace with the needs of new generations, noting that the program translates a shared vision to prepare children who possess self-confidence, awareness of their identity, and the ability to work collectively, in addition to assuming responsibility and positive participation in serving their community, in a way that enhances family sustainability and community cohesion.

Her Excellency Dr. Mira Al Kaabi, Acting President of the National Academy for Childhood Development, said: The “Generation 71” program embodies the Academy’s vision of preparing generations that are proud of their national identity and possess the skills and values ​​that enable them to contribute positively to society. The program was designed to provide an integrated educational experience that combines learning and practical application, thus enhancing the role of the family in raising children, and translating the goals of the Year of the Family into building more aware, loyal and responsible generations.

The program comes within the efforts of the National Academy for Childhood Development and the Ministry of Family to develop national initiatives that contribute to building the character of the Emirati child, consolidating national identity and authentic values, and enabling children to acquire life skills that qualify them to participate positively in community service and contribute to the national development process.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter