Dubai
Children gathered at the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children yesterday for the Childhood Carnival, where they learnt the importance of standing up to child abuse and developing the necessary traits to do so through the mirthful messes of oil paints, clay and earth.
The event was organised as part of the annual initiative by the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), which aims to raise awareness about child abuse; under the theme ‘Protect Childhood, It’s Precious.’ Psychologist consultation sessions were also available in the Jalila Centre, offering advice to parents.
Afra Al Basti, Director-General of the DFWAC, said that the real success of the foundation is not only about the care and rehabilitation of children exposed to abuse, but through preventing the abuse, and this event is an important step in reaching the largest possible number of children and make them more aware about this area.
She added that the DFWAC has succeeded in raising awareness among the community on the issues of child abuse since the beginning of its inception in 2007, which was noticed through the significant increase in the number of calls DFWAC received on its “800 111” help line, which came mostly to inquire about the types of abuse and how to prevent it.
The day’s activities included theatre, painting, pottery and gardening; each with its own theme, aimed at nurturing traits to deter and stand up against child abuse.
Each workshop had multiple sessions catering to different age groups, up to the age of 16. While normally accessible only to members, the centre was open to the public for yesterday’s event.
“In our painting workshop today, we are aiming to instil a feeling of courage and say no to violence,” Helen Karam, head of the painting department at the Jalila Centre, said. “The children paint according to that theme. We also teach them how to stand up for themselves and others and call for necessary assistance.”
Happiness was the theme of the clay and ceramic workshop, where children plastered and etched designs.
“Work of this nature instils a feeling of happiness,” Hamda Busamah, art teacher at the centre, said.
“By crafting a face that looks happy, the children themselves feel happy. We’ve also put some jazz music on in the background so it can further promote a relaxing atmosphere. The children love it. If I approach them offering help, they tell me they want to design the face themselves. It’s cute.”
In the gardening workshop, children learnt patience and kindness.
Shirin Bseiso, head of basic life skills at the centre, said: “Here, they sow a flower seed in a small pot and cover it with soil. They are then going to take it home, where they are required to water it and expose it to sunlight. It’ll bloom in a week.”
The children also presented a theatre performance, an activity aimed at instilling confidence.
“We help them make their own props, teach them the art of make-up and even help them build puppets,” Abdullah Al Maqbali, an Emirati actor, said.
The centre also includes other facilities including: a music room; a media production room and a library.
Shaima Khoory, Managing Director of the centre, praised the interaction of parents and children with ‘Childhood Carnival’. “Since the centre opened its doors in Dubai, we have been keen to be partners in the social duty towards the children, and hosting these events is a part of our plan to find support for children and supportive educational environment for their rights and public awareness.”