Dubai: The Community Development Authority (CDA) and the British University (BUiD) in Dubai celebrated the graduation of the first batch of social professionals’ assistant trainees  completed the requirement for professional licensing in four different categories of the social services. The training program was developed by BUiD, as part of the agreement with CDA signed last year. 

The 50 hours theoretical and practical training program was provided under the supervision of licensed trainers to equip the participants with the needed skills to practice their profession and provide the social services with the highest standers.

The 20 graduates will be now eligible to get CDA professional licensing in the categories of Learning Support Teachers, Behavior Analysts, Assistant Behavior Analyst and Assistant Psychologist. 

Dr. Omar Al Muthanna, CEO - Licensing & Monitoring Sector stressed in his speech to the graduated trainees  on the importance of this program, which was developed in line with the latest international standards in providing social services and the requirements for the sector locally.

“The training program aims to equip the licenses candidates with skills that allow them to play their roles the community development. Contributing in providing a better life for those in need of support and assistance, as this profession requires comprehensive skills that are not limited to the scientific aspect only, but carry ethical and human dimensions that are essential to its success”, Al Muthanna said.

"I expect that the graduates' professionalism and commitment will help giving hope to those who need it and ensuring that they receive services safely and according to the best quality standards”, Al Muthanna added .

Professor Abdullah Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor of The British University in Dubai said :” We are pleased to see this group of trainees s reap the fruits of their efforts exerted during the training period, which extended over nearly three months. We are confident that they will benefit greatly from the skills they gained and go on applying them to their respective fields in social service. We would like to thank the Community Development Authority for entrusting us with the provision of this training and also extend our thanks to the involved staff at The British University in Dubai who provided unparalleled support throughout the period of training”.

The Training Program Director, Professor Eman Gaad commented: “We are pleased with the graduation of the first batch of the assistant professionals and we hope that they will be accommodated within the labour market after obtaining the license. We value our cooperation with the Community Development Authority-the Government of Dubai, which aims to raise the level of services provided in the social field”.

Under the CDA’s professional licensing requirements for the social services the candidates are obligated to pass a customized program of 50 training hours at the British University in Dubai developed based on the profession’s needs and the applicant’s qualifications,  in a manner that ensures his qualification according to the best integrated professional standards necessary to practice the profession.