Celebration for International Day of Families in Abu Dhabi
International Day of Families is mar ked ever y year on May 15 to highlight the important role that families hold in communit ies around the world
Families in Abu Dhabi gathered for an International Day of Families celebration organised on May 14 by the Department of Community Development, in cooperation with the Family Development Foundation, the Department of Education and Knowledge, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an, the Family Care Authority, and Burjeel Hospital.
Highlighting the importance of spending quality time with each other, the event held at Al-qana in Rabdan included a diverse range of activities and interactive workshops for various age groups to shed light on how close-knit families contribute to a more connected, cohesive society. There was even a special appearance by the popular cartoon character Mansour.
International Day of Families is marked every year on May 15 to highlight the important role that families hold in communities around the world.
At the event, the DCD presented a mental health guide for parents that aims to raise awareness of mental health concepts that are vital to a healthy family environment. Additionally, there was a virtual reality plaform presented for senior citizens and residents to help achieve effective communication, and artistic workshops such as drawing with glue and painting with acrylic colours.
Dr Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of Community Development sector at the DCD, said: “The existence of an international day dedicated to families showcases the importance of the role of the family unit in progressing society and its development.
She added: “The nation’s leadership places great significance on family, as they have always believed that it is vital to the raising of children, and the building of a stable and aware society that constructively contributes to the country.”
Further emphasising the significance of family unity, Al Hyas said parents play a pivotal role in nurturing their children from early childhood through meaningful communication. She added that meeting the emotional and psychological needs of children at different ages was vital, as it strengthened the relationship between fathers and children and protected them from developing negative behaviours, as proven by research on parenting. With these values in mind, the DCD has made it a priority to support the stability and growth of the family by enacting legislation and developing programmes and initiatives that protect them from abuse.
Mohammed Khalfan Aldhaheri, Acting Community Engagement and Volunteering Executive Director, at MAAN, said: “Journey of Generations is a programme focused on Senior Citizens, designed to create cohesion across multiple generations through building relationships between senior citizens and volunteers in Abu Dhabi.
“We’re pleased to work alongside the Department of Community Development to mark International Family Day with activities and workshops. Aligning with Ma’an’s aim to connect communities and build an inclusive society, our programmes and initiatives focus on social priorities and bringing people together.
“Visitors can learn more about our projects and how to get involved by coming to see us on the Ma’an stand. Additionally, the Ma’an app will be displayed on a screen where visitors can download and choose to contribute to projects and initiatives most aligned to their priorities and values. This allows them to become part of achieving a genuine positive impact and strengthen family cohesion in the emirate.”
The Family Development Foundation (FDF) held interactive workshops at the event, such as the positive parenting workshop that identified the skills needed for a disciplinary approach that builds the child’s personality, with the aim of establishing a generation with robust psychological health. The FDF also highlighted the Barkitna card, which is granted to senior citizens and residents over 60 years of age who are registered in the Foundation’s database and grants them access to all the services and facilities provided by governmental and semi-governmental entities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Abdulrahman Al Balushi, Director of Department of Strategic Planning and Institutional Development, Family Development Foundation, said: “The family is the real nucleus from which society is formed and is primarily responsible for the upbringing, education and care of children.”