Today's Edition
JESSI AMASON (ABU DHABI)
At a media engagement event on Wednesday, the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi and the DCD-affiliated Family Care Authority (FCA) detailed the most prominent features and developments of the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy.
Based on the idea of the family unit as the fundamental component of a thriving society, the strategy tackles issues with resources tailored to beneficiaries of all ages. The strategy, launched by the DCD, was adopted by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, headed by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council.
The event was attended by His Excellency Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the DCD, Her Excellency Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director-General of the Family Care Authority, alongside several prominent leaders from both organisations.
In a statement, His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the DCD, characterised the family as the nucleus of society, emphasising the UAE leadership’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a high quality of life for citizen and resident families. All efforts are grounded in the belief that human capital is the country’s most valuable asset, he added.
The strategy’s creation was inspired by the concept of the family as the foundation of society and a key pillar of sustainable development, His Excellency said.
“The strategy includes a range of initiatives and programmes that are designed to address the needs of youth, family, and the elderly, andad will be implemented in cooperation with our esteemed partners. The strategy’s goal is to make a social impact by enhancing the quality of life of community members, promoting stronger family cohesion, and continuing to enhance the well-being of the elderly. Additionally, it will also help support young people who are about to get married and provide them with the necessary skills needed to establish successful future families,” His Excellency said. The department is committed to providing a decent life for all members of society, Al Khaili said, adding that the DCD takes an integrated approach to working with all its partners. In this regard, His Excellency commended the efforts of the FCA, highlighting its pivotal role in achieving the strategy’s goals. He also highlighted the array of services the FCA provides as the unified central authority for all social care services for families in Abu Dhabi.
Addressing the event, His Excellency Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri explained that the strategy was constructed following several detailed studies and joint efforts with various government, private, and third sector partners, as well as members of the community, to enhance the strategy’s effectiveness.
Al Dhaheri noted that the strategy consolidates parents’ role in teaching the next generation, enhances the quality of life for senior citizens, and supports the youth. All of these facets contribute to uplifting the role of the family, and maintaining unity and community cohesion, he added.
According to Her Excellency Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, the strategy is the first of its kind in the region. Her Excellency detailed the FCA’s role and approach within the strategy, which involves a unique level of depth and nuance in addressing social issues. When individuals seek services, they are not solely considered individuals, but rather, are considered holistically as members of a family unit, she explained.
“The Family Care Authority’s advanced services are considered a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing the well-being of families in Abu Dhabi. By recognising the different stages of life and prioritising families’ diverse requirements and needs, the FCA aims to deliver consolidated, specialised services through its direct contact number, serving as a single point of contact for all needs. The mission of the FCA is to provide fully encompassing services to family-care beneficiaries, and empower socially vulnerable families, children, and youth, in coordination with all social entities.” Dr. Al Mulla said.
“Through collaboration with our stakeholders, coordination with private, public and social sector entities, and constant innovation, the FCA will strive to strengthen family bonds, promote social cohesion, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals across Abu Dhabi. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support and setting a global standard for family care,” she added.
Services provided under the strategy include, but are not limited to, social and psychological counselling, integration programmes, support for caregivers, emergency support, and temporary shelter, Dr. Al Mulla added.
Her Excellency Dr. Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the DCD’s Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector, detailed one of the strategy’s more unique components: a set of resources specifically designed for young married couples beginning to start their own families. These services include a pre-marriage programme, as well as instilling young people with life skills like financial literacy, dispute resolution, and healthy communication styles, Her Excellency explained.
During the event, FCA officials also highlighted the launch of an interactive community event at Al Qana, scheduled from October 13 to 15 between 10am-10pm, to showcase the Authority’s services and introduce the call centre number. The event is open to both individuals and families from the Abu Dhabi community, including citizens, residents, and visitors.
