Dubai: The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched a new education and awareness campaign in partnership with the UAE Journalists Association, which aims to further boost social awareness among media workers on policies and laws in Dubai and the UAE, as well as about the rights of the vulnerable groups. The campaign is part of its continuing efforts to promote empowerment and inclusion in the society.

The campaign, which comprise a series of workshops and lectures, has kicked off with virtual workshop led by CDA officials along with experts from the social sector. The first in the series was held in the presence of H.E. Ahmad Julfar, Director General of CDA, and Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chairman of the UAE Journalists Association.

The session extensively discussed the provisions and key elements of Law No. (5) of 2018 Regulating Volunteer Work in the Emirate of Dubai as well as CDA’s role in the Dubai Volunteering Program, which is considered as the central platform for all volunteering activities being organized across the emirate.

H.E. Julfar noted that the collaboration with the UAE Journalists Association is important in the success of the social work in the emirate which requires the support and participation of all members of the society and understand the emirate’s social development plans, emphasizing that each one has a role to play in effectively protecting the rights of various communities, especially the vulnerable ones and it requires full awareness of these rights and how the social policies are implemented.

“The success of a comprehensive social development and achieving sustainable goals is only possible if there is awareness and sensibility among evert member of the society regardless of their positions and professions. This is especially relevant to what is presented by the media, from the news and press materials to correct and appropriate language used to reach out to all members of the society and inform them of the legal and social rules,” Julfar added.

He further commented: “You are our ambassadors to the society, and you have the big responsibility in spreading the knowledge and awareness to the wider public, and it is important that we work together on the right direction and collaborate at the individual and institutional level to achieve the social solidarity and harmony that we seek and aim for.”

Al Hammadi welcomed the cooperation and the strategic partnership between the UAE Journalists Association and the CDA which aims to spread knowledge among the society members about volunteering goals that serve the community.

He said: “The media is a partner in guiding the public opinion in the right concepts of volunteering, which include participating in organized events and public activities in the country, supporting people of determination and groups most vulnerable to harm, protecting and preserving the environment, as well as giving help during emergencies and disasters. All activities fall within the framework of the provisions of the administrative decision issued in 2019 and the executive regulations of Law No. (5) of 2018 Regulating Volunteer Work in the Emirate of Dubai.”

Amna Al Ketbi, Chairwoman of the Training and Development Committee and Member of the UAE Journalists Association, explained the content of the workshops which are being organized with CDA throughout the year such as the laws in volunteering activities and community service; laws for social organizations; licensing of non-government organizations; and regulations in the practice of social professions, social service providers, and community-based social organizations.

Other topics include: ‘Financial Benefits, Empowerment and Care for Minors Law’, ‘Human Rights in the Emirate of Dubai’, ‘Child Protection Law - Wadima’, ‘CDA Hotline for Child Protection, the Elderly and People of Determination’, and “Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Reformed Individuals’. The campaign will conclude its activities at the end of the year with a workshop on ‘Family Planning for a Better Life’.

Al Ketbi reiterated the Association’s commitment to ensure the success of the workshops by engaging the participation of members of the media and press organizations in the country.