ID :
114525
Thu, 04/01/2010 - 14:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/114525
The shortlink copeid
Protect Childhood Campaign' launched in Dubai
Dubai, March 31, 2010 (WAM)--Safeguarding the welfare of the youngest members of society was the important subject of a press conference held in Dubai yesterday; an event that inaugurated a month-long programme to draw attention to the important issue of child abuse.
The Protect Childhood Campaign, an all round awareness initiative from Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), was officially launched at Al Nasr Leisureland and featured experts who discussed the importance of maintaining vigilance in order to protect vulnerable children.
The Protect Childhood Campaign has been designed to run throughout April, which is designated as sexual assault and child abuse awareness month. The campaign will be visiting a different venue during each week of the month, commencing with a stand at the emirate's largest shopping centre, The Dubai Mall followed by Children's City, Al Ghurair Centre and Arabian Centre.
Speaking after the conference, the CEO of DFWAC, Afra Al Basti, explained why it was important for her organisation to address such a topic, which is still considered a taboo in the society. "Children are extremely vulnerable, as their innocence and immaturity means that they are not equipped with the skills to deal with or recognise danger from those who would harm them," she said. "It is important to educate adults about violation against children so that they can spot warning signs in advance. The subject is one that we need to face up to rather than shy away if we are to protect our children properly," she added.
Awareness material that educate about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and how to prevent it will be distributed to adults and children from the stands. In order to make this sensitive subject accessible for children, Afari, a popular character from the Shaabiyat Al Cartoon TV series, will be engaging with youngsters and their parents. It is this open nature of the campaign that Ms. Al Basti hopes will help to promote awareness about child abuse in the UAE; incidences of which account for 25 per cent of DFWAC's workload.
"Our organisation has a mandate to care for the most vulnerable members of society and these include women who are victims of domestic violence as well as trafficking. Child abuse victims accounted for about a quarter of our clients in 2009," she said. "It is important to reach out and speak to families about this subject which is what we aim to do through this campaign. There are some who think that these sorts of issues should be left to public welfare associations and other institutions, but we believe that it is the family should play the most fundamental role and has the biggest effect in providing children with safety," she added.
The Protect Childhood Campaign is the most high profile programme in the UAE to tackle the subject of child abuse. The series of awareness activities is being complimented by seminars at corporate institutions, schools and social groups. The programme has been put together by ExHealth; an organisation that has staged several successful community healthcare initiatives in the past. "We were honoured to be asked to assist with the execution of this important awareness initiative," said Dr. Prem Jagyasi, MD and CEO of ExHealth. "Children are our future and ensuring that they are free from harm means that we will have a community free from child abuse in years to come," he added.
The Protect the Children Campaign will take place from 1st April to 30th April.
The Protect Childhood Campaign, an all round awareness initiative from Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), was officially launched at Al Nasr Leisureland and featured experts who discussed the importance of maintaining vigilance in order to protect vulnerable children.
The Protect Childhood Campaign has been designed to run throughout April, which is designated as sexual assault and child abuse awareness month. The campaign will be visiting a different venue during each week of the month, commencing with a stand at the emirate's largest shopping centre, The Dubai Mall followed by Children's City, Al Ghurair Centre and Arabian Centre.
Speaking after the conference, the CEO of DFWAC, Afra Al Basti, explained why it was important for her organisation to address such a topic, which is still considered a taboo in the society. "Children are extremely vulnerable, as their innocence and immaturity means that they are not equipped with the skills to deal with or recognise danger from those who would harm them," she said. "It is important to educate adults about violation against children so that they can spot warning signs in advance. The subject is one that we need to face up to rather than shy away if we are to protect our children properly," she added.
Awareness material that educate about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and how to prevent it will be distributed to adults and children from the stands. In order to make this sensitive subject accessible for children, Afari, a popular character from the Shaabiyat Al Cartoon TV series, will be engaging with youngsters and their parents. It is this open nature of the campaign that Ms. Al Basti hopes will help to promote awareness about child abuse in the UAE; incidences of which account for 25 per cent of DFWAC's workload.
"Our organisation has a mandate to care for the most vulnerable members of society and these include women who are victims of domestic violence as well as trafficking. Child abuse victims accounted for about a quarter of our clients in 2009," she said. "It is important to reach out and speak to families about this subject which is what we aim to do through this campaign. There are some who think that these sorts of issues should be left to public welfare associations and other institutions, but we believe that it is the family should play the most fundamental role and has the biggest effect in providing children with safety," she added.
The Protect Childhood Campaign is the most high profile programme in the UAE to tackle the subject of child abuse. The series of awareness activities is being complimented by seminars at corporate institutions, schools and social groups. The programme has been put together by ExHealth; an organisation that has staged several successful community healthcare initiatives in the past. "We were honoured to be asked to assist with the execution of this important awareness initiative," said Dr. Prem Jagyasi, MD and CEO of ExHealth. "Children are our future and ensuring that they are free from harm means that we will have a community free from child abuse in years to come," he added.
The Protect the Children Campaign will take place from 1st April to 30th April.
