Sharjah's Child Safety Department empowers 6,200 beneficiaries through 100+ awareness programmes

The Child Safety Department (CSD) in Sharjah marked a transformative year in 2024. The Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) affiliate spearheaded impactful initiatives that reinforced its unwavering commitment to child protection and safety.

Reaching 6,200 beneficiaries, delivering 135 hours of specialised training, and achieving a 99% satisfaction rate, the department has bolstered its status as a leader in child welfare, safety, and community development.

Over the past year, the department has organised more than 100 workshops, reaching children, parents, educators, and professionals and educating the public on pressing topics such as bullying, child abuse, cyber safety, child rights, and psychological first aid.

The department has also trained 1,100 school bus drivers and supervisors to ensure students' safety.

The department has also trained 1,100 school bus drivers and supervisors to ensure students' safety.

The department’s programmes achieved tangible results in increasing public knowledge. Statistics showed a 98% increase in awareness about the Child Helpline, and 30% improvement in anti-bullying awareness.

Comprehensive strategy to advance and safeguard communities

Reflecting on the achievements, Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety Department and Head of the Higher Committee of Kanaf, said: 'Under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCFA, the department's annual initiatives and achievements represent vital steps in the ongoing development of UAE society. The accomplishments of 2024 reaffirm our essential role in making sustainable investments in future generations.'

She added: 'Our vision is inspired by Sharjah's developmental framework, which places family cohesion at the heart of societal progress and recognises children as the hope of tomorrow and the architects of the future. By promoting safety across all age groups and presenting risk concepts through practical, everyday models, we aim to empower parents, educators, and all stakeholders involved in child protection. This approach fosters greater knowledge, skills, and a collective sense of social responsibility.'

Key achievements in 2024

The department launched a series of landmark initiatives throughout 2024, beginning with celebrating the first cohort of Cyber Safety Ambassadors in February. Since its inception in 2019, the programme has impacted over 6,000 children by implementing innovative awareness activities.

In May, the department played a prominent role in the 15th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival. Its awareness workshops aligned with the festival’s theme, addressing critical educational and cultural topics and raising awareness among young visitors and their families.

The following month, CSD conducted a social experiment highlighting children's challenges in recognising stranger danger. The initiative aimed to spread awareness and ensure children remained vigilant in daily interactions.

In August, the department focused on student transportation safety, delivering a School Bus Safety Golden Rules workshop. The sessions educated 1,100 drivers and supervisors, addressed critical safety procedures, and highlighted best transportation safety practices. Participants were also reminded of the Child Helpline 800700, a vital resource for reporting concerns about student safety.

In November, the department’s presence was felt at the Sharjah Ruler’s Camel Racing Festival. CSD distributed awareness brochures promoting child safety in vehicles. Simultaneously, interactive workshops and storytelling sessions at the Sharjah International Book Fair engaged a diverse audience, demonstrating the department’s ability to connect meaningfully with the community. In December, the department concluded its activities after successfully participating in the Dawahi Festival 13, which promoted awareness about child safety in vehicles.

Kanaf: A hub of excellence in child protection

As part of its ongoing efforts to protect children and promote their well-being, Kanaf of CSD, has continued to lead as the first-of-its-kind in the UAE and the region, providing comprehensive protection and support to children victims of physical and sexual abuse by unifying legal, social, and medical services under one roof.

In 2024, the centre delivered 135 hours of specialised training to 194 professionals, covering vital areas such as diagnostic interviewing, psychological and social report writing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and the methods of listening to child victims of violence.

Strategic partners

CSD and Kanaf collaborated with governmental and private organisations to enhance their societal impact, including Sharjah Police, Sharjah Private Education Authority, Emirates School Establishment, Ministry of Education, Sharjah Centre for Learning Difficulties, Sharjah Sports Council, Sharjah Marine Sports Club, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Districts and Villages Affairs Department, Sharjah Art Foundation, and Sharjah Science Museum, Sharjah Municipality, and the Social Services Department.