• Friday, September 20,2024

MOI and the Ministry of Family Development hold awareness workshops under the Mawadda wa Rahma community campaign

To foster joint collaboration and unify national efforts in support of pioneering community initiatives, the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Federal Social Support Department, in coordination with the Family Development Foundation, organized an event at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
During this event, the Ministry announced the launch of a series of educational workshops to raise awareness in solidarity with the social campaign Mawadda wa Rahma, an initiative by the Family Development Foundation under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, affectionately known as the Mother of the Emirates.
These workshops aim to further the goals of the Mawadda wa Rahma campaign by emphasizing the critical role of marriage as a cornerstone of societal stability and progress. The initiative encourages young people to adopt a positive perspective on marriage, carefully choose life partners, and understand the value of marriage in building and stabilizing families. It also seeks to inspire the community to shift social behaviors and customs that impact youth marriages. The workshops will be held nationwide, encompassing community councils, universities, public and private institutions, and government agencies.
The event was attended by His Excellency Major General Salem Mubarak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry, Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, senior officials from the Foundation, police leaders, Ministry of Interior employees, and department directors from the Foundation. In a speech delivered by Brigadier Sultan Abu Ataba, Director of the General Department of Community Protection and Crime Prevention, he welcomed the attendees, remarking, "We gather today under one banner, united by our shared focus on the family, which is a pillar of our national strategy and a top priority for our wise leadership. The launch of these workshops under the 'Affection and Mercy' campaign reflects our belief in the importance of strengthening family bonds and fostering the values of affection and compassion within society." Abu Ataba highlighted that this strategic partnership with the Family Development Foundation will create new opportunities for expanding awareness of social responsibility. Both parties are committed to doing all that is necessary to meet the campaign's goals and its noble mission, further empowering families to overcome the challenges they face and providing them with essential support. He expressed confidence that the campaign will achieve its intended outcomes through the awareness programs and activities it offers, adding that it will serve as a valuable platform for strengthening collaboration across society in supporting families. He praised the community’s efforts, concluding with a prayer for continued success in serving the nation.
Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi also addressed the audience, beginning with a memorable quote from HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak: "The 'Mawadda wa Rahma' campaign is a continuation of our commitment to supporting young men and women, the pillars of our future. Our aim is to provide them with a dignified life, raise awareness of the meaning of marriage, educate those preparing for marriage about their marital rights and responsibilities, and teach them how to resolve family issues in ways that promote stability and progress within society."
Her Excellency expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Emirates, for her unwavering dedication and noble directives aimed at advancing society and supporting the stability and well-being of individuals across all sectors. She praised Her Highness’s continuous efforts to address societal needs and confront any challenges hindering the nation’s progress and the prosperity of its people.
Her Highness’s vision, which the Family Development Foundation strives to realize, is one of creating a society marked by stability, protection, and security. Al Rumaithi emphasized the Foundation’s pride in its strategic partnerships with various government agencies and acknowledged the invaluable role of the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Federal Social Support Department, in supporting family and societal initiatives. She noted the Ministry's vital contributions to advancing the collective efforts under the wise leadership of the country, which remains committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of all citizens and residents. Her Excellency further reflected on the pride felt for the nation’s rich history, growing security, development, and the ongoing spirit of unity, which together help to overcome challenges facing the future of families.
She commended the Ministry of Interior for its consistent support and active participation in initiatives such as the "Mawadda wa Rahma" campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the institution of marriage. "This collaboration with the Ministry is not new, she remarked, as we have always found its presence in our initiatives to be steadfast, overcoming obstacles and challenges to support programs such as 'Mawadda wa Rahma.' Today, the Ministry continues its efforts to ensure that this campaign meets its goals by fostering family cohesion and reinforcing the social fabric.
This partnership strengthens family bonds across society and helps preserve the core values upon which our state is built." She reiterated that the Family Development Foundation remains committed to supporting families and society through ambitious programs, purposeful campaigns, and innovative projects that align with the state's objectives of enhancing family stability and societal unity. The Foundation’s mission, she explained, is rooted in the firm belief that the family is the fundamental unit of a cohesive, tolerant, and secure society a society in which all members enjoy happiness, prosperity, and stability. Al Rumaithi continued by emphasizing that efforts to prepare the younger generation for the responsibilities of family life would persist through strategic partnerships. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of the importance of family values, alleviate social pressures, and promote a positive view of marriage as the cornerstone of both family and societal stability. She highlighted the significance of the Ministry of Interior’s awareness workshops in encouraging society to shift behaviors and social customs that negatively impact youth marriages.
In her concluding remarks, Her Excellency thanked the Ministry of Interior, specifically the Federal Social Support Department, and His Excellency Major General Khalifa Hareb Mugheer Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, for their unwavering cooperation with the Family Development Foundation. She commended their dedicated efforts, active involvement, and distinguished presence in the launch of the "Mawadda wa Rahma" awareness workshops, which aim to enhance the quality of family life and its role as the bedrock of an integrated and cohesive society. Al Rumaithi also extended her appreciation to all those involved in the organization of the "Mawadda wa Rahma" workshops, including the staff from both the Ministry of Interior and the Family Development Foundation. Their collective efforts in raising awareness about marriage and introducing couples-to-be to their marital rights contribute significantly to societal stability, progress, and the nation’s growth. She praised the Ministry of Interior for its recognition of the Foundation’s efforts in promoting family stability and societal cohesion. On the sidelines of the event, the Family Development Foundation held an educational workshop titled "The Role of the Family Development Foundation in Promoting Positive Attitudes Among Youth Towards Marriage and Family Stability."
The workshop, which targeted Ministry employees, Police College students, and attendees, provided valuable insights into the Foundation’s efforts. During the event, the Foundation showcased its societal contributions and future vision through presentations on its innovative services, initiatives, and programs. These efforts target diverse age groups, from children and adolescents to youth and the elderly, all with the goal of promoting a culture of family cohesion. The Foundation underscored the importance of protecting the family unit by instilling authentic values and principles, thus empowering the next generation with the knowledge and resilience needed to face societal changes and reject alien customs. This vision reflects the national identity and builds a brighter, more prosperous future led by the country’s youth.
At the close of the event, social and psychological specialists from the Federal Social Support Department and its affiliated centers were honored for their significant contributions. Their efforts in guiding and supporting families, as well as their active participation in community initiatives and programs, were recognized as vital in achieving societal stability and reinforcing family ties.