Kids focus on traffic issues, child abuse
sharjah — Traffic-related issues will be the major topic of discussion for the newly elected Sharjah Children Parliament.
The elected parliament will take up the issue in the first session and will recommend authorities concerned effective solutions for the perennial problem that affects their academic days.
The children’s House is expected to recommend an intensified patrols in Al Wahda, Al Ittihad and Industrial area and other roads that lead to schools in the morning. The patrol must give the priority to school buses to allow the students to reach schools on time.
The parliamentary council, formed by free election every two years, represents Sharjah children centres and schools of the emirate. This year election resulted in the winning of 86 members in the agegroup 8-11 years including four children to represent children with special needs of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS).
The winners include 11-year-old Rashid Al Tunaiji from Al Dhaid, who won the position of chairman; deputy chairperson Maria Ahmed Al Naqbi, a 10-year-old from Khor Fakkan; deputy chairman Al Hoor Mohammed Al Hoti, 10-year-old from Khorfukkan ; and the second deputy chairperson of the parliament, Fatma Al Amiri.
Expressing his happiness at the achievement, Al Tunaiji, the chairman of the parliament, said: “We will learn leadership skills which will definitely have its positive impact in forming our personalities for the future.”
He said that he will be responsible enough to consider the trust that has given to him by the voters to convey their messages and voices to the authorities for proper decision that would be for the interest of the children of Sharjah.
They also recommend more garbage containers in public parks and deployment of the supervisors to ensure security for the children and their family while playing in the parks.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Aisha Ali Al Kabbi, director of Shajrah Children Centre, said that the first council was established in 1997, under the name of Sharjah Children Parliament, based on direction of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
She explained that the children parliament operates under the auspices of the Children Centre Department affiliated to Sharjah Supreme Family Affair Council. It aims to build a generation that understands the democratic process and knows how to exercise its rights, as guaranteed by the constitution.
She added that the main objective of the children parliament to instill the spirit of responsibility in young minds, to empower children to express their opinions about issues, and converse with officials without feeling shy. The parliament also aims at encouraging children to participate in public life, to stimulate children about issues in social organisations that are related to childhood affairs, especially related to child education, health, safety, and environment.