Social education and impact highlighted in “Nabd Al-Mujtama”

Digital life ambassadors

Jawaher Mohammed Abdullah, Social Education Specialist, introduced the “Safe Digital Life Ambassadors” programme, under the slogan “From the community to the community,” which was launched in 2024. The programme aims to train and qualify a team of students aged 10 to 16 to become ambassadors specialised in promoting awareness of safe digital behaviours. This initiative develops leadership skills, personal growth, and students’ self-realisation, while fostering values such as initiative and responsibility.

A specialised team manages the programme, overseeing content, performance, and using multiple communication channels to deliver effective awareness campaigns. The programme is part of the department’s broader efforts to enhance awareness of safe digital life issues and encourage active participation among students, reflecting the department’s mandate to protect children from potential risks.

The second focus of the ambassador programme, Filial Duty Ambassadors, targets children aged 6 to 17. It aims to strengthen family bonds, instil social values, and enhance intergenerational relationships by educating children on the importance of respecting and honouring parents. The programme empowers children to develop and deliver activities and initiatives for their parents, in partnership with relevant local authorities. Its objectives include fostering communication between generations, reinforcing family connections, promoting responsibility, community sustainability, compassion, and respect for elders. A third module, Volunteer Ambassadors, will be launched soon.

Knowledge is light

Rayan Al Jabri, supervisor of educational classes, presented “Knowledge is Light”, a free, informal learning programme launched in 2016 to combat illiteracy among older women. The programme teaches four core subjects: Arabic, mathematics, social studies, and Quranic and prophetic sciences, with curricula specifically developed by a team of University of Sharjah faculty. The teaching team includes literacy specialists and supervising assistants, and the programme has been expanded to include digital literacy and basic technology skills.

Notably, the eldest participant is 91 years old. The next phase will incorporate more older learners, and a fourth class has been introduced following participants’ requests to continue learning. The initiative also organises educational and recreational camps, such as the “Summer Camp for Older Learners,” which has been widely praised for integrating seniors into community life.

Leaving a lasting impact

At the conclusion of the session, Tareq Eid Msefer, Social Responsibility Specialist, emphasised the critical role of social education in leaving a positive impact, correcting negative behaviours, and replacing them with beneficial practices. The department focuses on educating the community about harmful phenomena and negative practices, aiming to benefit the widest possible audience and empower individuals to face the challenges of a rapidly changing, open society.

The Social Education Department offers a wide range of programmes for all community segments, reviewing and developing preventative and developmental initiatives that raise awareness and reduce negative behaviours affecting the stability of local society. Special attention is given to children, adolescents, and youth, shaping their awareness and character in alignment with the department’s mission to nurture responsible, conscious, and positive Emirati citizens.

The department’s educational services include general awareness programmes, preventative education for individuals and institutions, specialised training for employees and educators, and guidance and awareness services to raise knowledge levels across partner entities. Social education programmes also include family and child protection initiatives, aimed at enhancing awareness and providing tools for safeguarding the community.