Covid-19: Kids, parents learn how to cope with new normal during UAE virtual camp

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Sharjah - Through 10 information-packed workshops, parents were given an insight into the importance of safeguarding children's mental health.

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Sat 5 Sep 2020, 2:00 AM

Last updated: Sun 6 Sep 2020, 10:28 AM

More than 5,400 children, school staff, and parents learnt novel ways of coping with Covid-related challenges in the new academic year, during a virtual summer camp organised by Child Safety Department (CSD) in Sharjah.

Held during July and August, the camp conducted a total of 15 recreational and informative sessions for children and the youth throughout the summer break, aiming to boost their emotional and physical wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Live-streamed on Zoom as well as on the CSD's Instagram account, the two-month online summer camp was held in collaboration with various government entities including the Sharjah Police, Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority, Sharjah Child Friendly Office, and a number of childcare experts and doctors.

Through 10 information-packed workshops, parents were given an insight into the importance of safeguarding children's mental health and well-being.

They were also introduced to child rights and drawn into conversations on easing children back into school mode after the holidays. Workshops focusing on cyber safety, bullying, and other online dangers helped parents better understand the risks that technology brings about.
Keeping kids safe
Hanadi Saleh Al Yafei, director of CSD, said: "Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for children is essential, particularly in light of the exceptional circumstances we are currently witnessing. By carefully structuring our workshops that align with evolving changes, we have made a deliberate effort to reach out to parents and caregivers to reaffirm their roles and responsibilities and ensure these requirements are met."

She added: "CSD has received great feedback and praise from attendees who found the topics of our sessions timely and relevant, especially with the onset of a new academic year and the easing of restrictions in public places across the country."

reporters@khaleejtimes.com


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