Sheikha Fatima says it is crucially important in the current critical times to get closer to children and disseminate hope and positive feelings.
Abu Dhabi - 'Rejoice! What is coming is better than what is gone!' urges all family members to transform hardship into opportunity by promoting social cohesion and providing psychological and social support to each other.
Published: Tue 5 May 2020, 3:29 AM
Last updated: Tue 5 May 2020, 6:33 PM
Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), an online Ramadan campaign themed 'Rejoice! What is coming is better than what is gone!' has been launched to cultivate real optimism in the face of the adversity triggered by Covid-19.
In sync with the launch of the campaign, Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima, has urged all family members to transform adversity into opportunity by promoting social cohesion, providing psychological and social support to each other, sowing seeds of hope and inculcating a spirit of comfort and reassurance.
Reflecting the UAE's wise leadership's support for all members of the community in the current trying times, the campaign has been launched by the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and the Department of Community Development, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Media (Media Partner); Abu Dhabi Housing Authority; Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority; Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination; Zayed House For Islamic Culture; and Dar Zayed for Family Care (DZFC).
"It is crucially important in the current critical times to get closer to children and disseminate hope and positive feelings. Children tend to require more and more reassurance than others. And it is the responsibility of the family in the first place to provide children with the right environment to utilise their leisurely time and increase their contribution to the society," Sheikha Fatima said.
"In the UAE we are living as one family. Our hearts are throbbing with the love for this homeland. All those living on this soil have proved their mettle and loyalty to the homeland.
"And therefore we are all positive and assured that all members of the community will continue working for the higher good of our nation."
"Parents should simplify the precautionary measures taken to curb the spread of Covid-19 and explain them in a simple manner to their kids to ensure they are always feeling assured and positive about the future," she added.
Sheikha Fatima underlined the importance of providing psychological support to senior citizens and keeping them away from any source of worry and tension caused by fake and negative news.
She also underscored the significant role played by UAE youth, who, she said, are able to survive the current challenges by getting more determined to gain knowledge and focusing more on creativity and innovation.
"I call upon all youth to stand fast and united against this pandemic and to adhere to our noble values which require us to comply with the precautionary measures and directives issued by all competent bodies to ensure the safety of the society and its protection," she added.
"The UAE has been among the forerunners who opted for the remote education system, choosing not to shut down schools. In so doing, we have been inspired by the UAE leadership's determination to provide our students with learning-conducive environment," she said, attributing the success achieved by the Emirati remote-education model to the efforts made by the students' parents.
"I extend my sincere thanks to every household who have fulfilled their responsibilities and complied with the measures adopted by the State to combat the pandemic and bring it under control," she added.
For his part, Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media, said the campaign embodies the determination of Sheikha Fatima to support all efforts aimed at disseminating awareness among all members of the society about the criticality of the current condition. He also urged people to deal positively and responsibly with the current challenges.
"Safeguarding UAE society against the negative psychological impact of the current period entails sowing seeds of hope and positivity as well as doubling humanitarian and national efforts to survive this challenge and move forward." he added.
"We are capable of weathering this crisis because we have the solid will and determination inspired by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and that was pursued hereinafter by our wise leadership," Dr Al Jaber added.
Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, said the campaign mirrors the sincere efforts made by Sheikha Fatima and the wise leadership to get life back to normal and overcome the current challenges.
Ali Salim Al Kaabi, Chairman of Family Development Foundation, said the campaign is reflective of the support provided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to the efforts made at national level to maintain public health and social stability.
Abdullah Al Ameri, the Director General of Dar Zayed for Family Care, thanked Sheikha Fatima for the initiative and her support to all programmes aimed at supporting family cohesion and social stability.
Dr Nedal Al Tinaiji, Director General of Zayed House For Islamic Culture, lauded the efforts made by the country's wise leadership to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 by supporting families, affirming that "we are able in the UAE to overcome the crisis thanks to the solidarity and cooperation between all institutions and members of the community".
Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, lauded the campaign, stressing the Council's support for its goals.
Basheer Al Mehairbi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said the campaign is a testament to the UAE leadership's keenness to stand by all segments of society under all circumstances.
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