Wasit Council boosts community ties with 'Yalsatna' initiative
Wide Participation and Constructive Dialogue
The initiative, which took place, on Tuesday, at the council's headquarters, witnessed wide participation from residents who expressed their views with transparency. A number of constructive comments were recorded and immediately forwarded to the relevant authorities for follow-up and necessary action.
Model of Active Community Participation
The 'Yalsatna' initiative, organided by the Wasit Suburb Council and regularly implemented by other suburb councils, aims to serve as a model in promoting effective community participation. It brings together residents and council representatives in a friendly environment that fosters the exchange of visions and ideas, thereby reinforcing the concept of partnership between community members and the entities responsible for planning and services.
In Line with the Vision of the Ruler of Sharjah
This active community engagement aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which aim to empower councils to play their vital role in supporting social cohesion and achieving sustainable development in residential neighborhoods. This is achieved by building a balanced and integrated relationship between the community and government entities.
Showcasing Tangible Achievements
During the session, the Wasit Suburb Council was keen to showcase a set of achievements previously implemented in the suburb in response to earlier resident demands—reflecting the council's seriousness and commitment to transforming feedback into tangible actions with direct impact on residents' lives.
Commitment to Direct Engagement
His Excellency Abdullah Saeed Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Wasit Suburb Council, emphasised that the 'Yalsatna' initiative embodies the general direction adopted by the Sharjah Districts Affairs Department—based on direct engagement with community members and positive interaction with their aspirations. He noted that the council prioritises fostering a culture of dialogue and consultation with residents, believing that neighbourhood development can only be complete through the participation of its people.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
3 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Arab Parliament for the Child to debate ‘Cultural Identity'
High-level support highlights importance This session holds exceptional significance as it is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the follow-up of His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League. This reflects the level of high-level support the Parliament initiative receives and underscores that the future of the Arab child is an integral part of a broader, comprehensive project. Identity as the foundation of awareness From this standpoint, several members of the Arab Parliament for the Child have expressed the importance of this topic and their readiness to discuss it under the dome of their parliament. They believe that cultural identity is not merely a topic to be debated, but the very essence upon which the Arab child's awareness is built. It serves as the gateway to their belonging to their homeland and a source of strength amid the challenges of globalisation and digital openness. Omani parliament head: Identity is rooted in values, not symbols Ilyas bin Awadh Al-Ma'ni, President of the Arab Parliament for the Child from the Sultanate of Oman, believes that true preparation for such a session lies in delving deep into the concept of cultural identity, researching its sources, and examining how it is influenced by the digital world and language challenges. He is convinced that identity is not just a set of symbols, but deep-rooted in language, values, and traditions. Ilyas is keen on reviewing successful Arab experiences in this field, consulting educators and intellectuals, and even speaking with children from his local community to understand how connected or distant they are from their language and identity. He points to the vital role that the family, school, and media play in embedding this identity. He adds that integrating heritage and the arts into curricula, and organising national activities and competitions, are effective ways to strengthen a child's pride in their identity. As he puts it, 'Preserving identity is not just an intellectual priority, but a civilisational safeguard for nations.' Jordanian member: Identity must be lived, not just studied Rabeea Ibrahim Abu Rumman, a member of the Arab Parliament for the Child from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, states that preparing for a topic like this is not limited to reading briefing papers. Instead, it requires genuine engagement with the lived reality of the Arab child amidst the challenges of social media and media openness. She explains that her planned intervention will focus on the voice of the Arab child, what belonging means to them, and what the family, school, and media can do to help them remain connected to their language and heritage. She emphasises the urgent need for purposeful and well-targeted Arabic media content for children and calls for cultural networking between Arab children through programmes and initiatives that promote the exchange of shared heritage and values. She concludes, 'Identity is not a luxury, but a safeguard that protects the child from dissolution, and a fundamental right of every child to know their origins, speak their language, and live their values.' Palestinian member: Identity must be protected from a young age Mai Jalal Abdulaziz, a member of the Arab Parliament for the Child from the State of Palestine, shared her perspective with a deep philosophical and human touch. She sees cultural identity not just as a topic for discussion, but as a vital project to protect Arab childhood from confusion and loss. She explains that a child is like 'soft clay' – shaped from an early age – and that the concepts and values instilled in them remain for life. If their identity is not safeguarded early on, they become fragile in the face of globalisation. Mai is preparing through in-depth research into the components of identity: language, heritage, historical symbols, customs, and traditions. She compares these foundational elements with the daily influences children face through screens. She says she is currently analysing children's behaviour on social media platforms, their use of the Arabic language, and whether their everyday cultural practices reflect authenticity or are dissolving into foreign influences. Proposals for action and digital awareness She also proposes practical steps, such as conducting simple field surveys to measure children's connection to their identity. Her planned parliamentary address will cover comprehensive themes, from language to digital media, passing through arts, diaspora, and artificial intelligence. Mai stresses: 'The Arab child today needs someone to listen to them, not to speak on their behalf… Identity is not taught—it is lived and experienced.' Mai affirms that the second session of the Arab Children's Parliament in Sharjah will undoubtedly be a moment of awareness and belonging—a pan-Arab platform that listens to the voices of future generations and, through them, draws the features of the Arab child's cultural identity in a changing world where values struggle to survive, and children search for their roots in an accelerating age. Iraqi member: Arabic is the anchor of collective memory Aws Mohsen Ali, a member of the Arab Parliament for the Child from the Republic of Iraq, adds that his focus on the Arabic language is not only driven by his belief that it is the carrier of identity, but also because it forms the core around which the collective memory of the Arab nations is built. Without it, thought is scattered, shared sensibility fades, and the Arab character loses its clarity in young generations. Therefore, he believes schools and educational curricula must form the first line of defence for the Arabic language. Curricula should be developed in a modern style that helps children love their language and leads them to explore its richness rather than be alienated by it. Pride in Arab civilisation through education Aws emphasises the importance of integrating the vocabulary of Arab civilisation into classroom instruction—not just as a historical narrative, but as a living legacy that must translate into daily behaviour and national pride. He believes that the Arab child needs to be told clearly: 'You belong to a great nation that has significantly contributed to humanity in fields like science, medicine, astronomy, language, and literature.' This message instils confidence and belonging—something fleeting social media content or widespread foreign media cannot provide. Identity as a right and a responsibility As a member of the Child Rights Committee, Aws believes that the right to cultural identity must be prioritised among the fundamental rights of the child. He notes that identity can be erased not only through wars or occupation but also through neglect, indifference, and blind imitation of cultures that don't resemble ours. This leads to values being consumed as commodities, and belonging reduced to mere slogans. He explains that the Arab Children's Parliament is a space where this awareness, vision, and responsibility are expressed. For him, preparing for the upcoming session is not merely about drafting a speech or writing a position paper—it is an emotional and intellectual commitment to the belief that Arab cultural identity is not just a topic for debate, but a matter of existence and dignity. A heartfelt message to the Arab world Aws concludes with a heartfelt plea: 'From this parliamentary platform, I raise my voice on behalf of millions of Arab children to say: We are not asking to be copies of others—we want to be ourselves… with our language, our culture, our history, and our emotions. We want to grow up in an open world, yes—but with our feet firmly planted in our land, our identity, and our authenticity.' With these sincere and profound words, Aws—and all the members of the Parliament—embody the new consciousness carried by the Arab child today. They enter the second session hall in Sharjah not merely as seekers of knowledge, but as builders of identity and guardians of the cultural essence in a world that has no place for those who do not know themselves.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Sultan approves new residential area in Kalba
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the allocation of a new residential area for citizens in Dhyatt suburb of Kalba City. The project will include a residential complex comprising 190 residential plots, a main park and a mosque. Eng. Khalid Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Housing, told the Direct Line programme that the first phase of the project would begin with the construction of 54 residential units in that area.
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah readies for APC with broad participation
The session is set to take place from 22nd to 26th July, under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the guidance and direct supervision of His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League. A Unified Arab Spirit to Empower Children The general session will be held at the Sharjah Consultative Council headquarters in Sharjah, amidst broad Arab participation and a united Arab spirit aimed at empowering children in parliamentary practice and instilling values of identity, belonging, and responsibility. Organising Committee Holds Coordination Meeting In this context, the organising committee of the APC held an extensive meeting at the Parliament's headquarters in Sharjah, attended by His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC), along with all members of the organisational, technical, and media committees. The meeting focused on reviewing final preparations and logistical and technical arrangements to welcome delegations from Arab countries, as well as the official delegation from the Women and Children Department of the Arab League. The goal is to ensure full readiness of sites and teams ahead of this special Arab parliamentary event for children. Detailed Review of Logistics and Programme The meeting featured a detailed review of reception plans at UAE airports, coordination of transportation and accommodation procedures, and inspection of residence and training facilities. It also included a briefing on the general programme, which features training workshops, parliamentary sessions, field visits, and accompanying activities designed to deepen parliamentary awareness and foster cultural and social cohesion among the participating Arab children. Task Distribution and Volunteer Coordination Discussions also covered the distribution of responsibilities among various working teams, the follow-up on committee progress, and coordination mechanisms with volunteers, who will play a pivotal role in organising the events and providing both logistical and administrative support. Emphasis on Strong Media Presence The meeting underlined the importance of media coordination and comprehensive coverage that reflects the high standard of preparations and performance, while conveying the message of the APC in building bridges of communication between generations. Media professionals and journalists will be welcomed to the event, with coordination underway with relevant institutions involved in the session to ensure extensive media coverage that matches the scale of the occasion. Delegations Arriving from 22nd July Delegations will begin arriving in Sharjah from 22nd July, where they will be received at the airport by the working teams and accompanied to their accommodation. The Parliament's General Secretariat has prepared a rich programme, including an intensive training workshop prior to the formal session. The workshop aims to equip the young members with parliamentary speaking skills, proposal drafting, and conscious engagement with the session's theme: 'The Cultural Identity of the Arab Child.' Enriching Visits and Activities The programme also includes distinctive visits, most notably to the 'Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators,' where the children will take part in interactive activities in the 'Skills Lab.' In addition, the twelfth issue of the 'Young Parliamentarian' magazine will be launched—serving as a platform for children's free expression and documenting their parliamentary journey. A Platform for Empowerment and Expression His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC), praised the spirit of teamwork and the efforts of all committees and teams during the meeting. He noted that holding the second session in Sharjah is a continuation of a solid Arab journey in supporting childhood and a reflection of Sharjah's vision in preparing an Arab generation capable of dialogue, collaboration, and responsibility—aligned with the broader Arab direction of building the future of children on foundations of empowerment, identity, and knowledge. Sharjah as a Beacon of Creative Empowerment He affirmed that Sharjah—through the vision of its leadership and with the support of the Arab League—represents a vibrant platform for creativity and empowerment, and an institutional hub that embraces Arab children and provides them with an inspiring environment for thought and expression. This comes within a pioneering parliamentary experience that reflects the aspirations of the Arab nation towards building a conscious and promising generation.
