In a fitting conclusion to the 18th session of the Sharjah Children’s Council and the 9th session of the Sharjah Youth Council, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, presided over the final session held today at the Advisory Council headquarters. The event, themed “Family and Emirati Values,” aligned with the councils’ annual motto of “Serving the Community is Leadership.”
The session was organised by the Sharjah Children, the Girl Scouts of Sharjah, and Sharjah Youth, all part of the Quarter Century Foundation for the Development of Leaders and Innovators, in collaboration with representatives from the government and members of the Board of Trustees of the Quarter Century Foundation, alongside leadership figures from the Sharjah Family and Community Council.
Prominent figures, including Dr. Muhaditha Yahya Al Hashimi, Chair of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, Dr. Asma Mohammed Hassouni, Director of the Media Office of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, Aisha Al Hossan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, and Moza Saif Al Shahi, Director of the Family Guidance Department at the Sharjah Community Development Authority, were in attendance.
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher expressed her delight at the presence of the council members, emphasising their role in conveying their ideas and proposals to government representatives. “I speak to you as a mother, with great concern for your well-being. You are the pride of this nation,” she stated. “Sharjah has committed itself to your growth and development, so you can represent this emirate locally and globally. While others may perceive you as young, I see in you an awareness and zeal that reflect your capability to shoulder responsibilities beyond our discussions.” She urged the youth to articulate their needs confidently and learn from every experience to enrich their knowledge and broaden their horizons.
Emphasis on Values and Character Building
Sheikha Jawaher highlighted the significance of values in shaping individual character and behaviour. She noted that “values are not just slogans we raise or words we write, but rather actions we adhere to in our lives”—including kindness to parents, maintaining family ties, and treating neighbours with respect. “Our religion teaches us not to disparage anyone, regardless of their age. The values you embody must be drawn from the Quran and the teachings of your Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).” She asserted that these virtues are foundational for developing conscious, well-rounded individuals who respond to adversity with dignity and wisdom.
Sheikha Jawaher urged the youth to embody the values inherited from their families and culture, emphasising the importance of expressing their thoughts clearly and respectfully, particularly in an age dominated by social media. “You represent your emirate with eloquence and sound judgement,” she added, encouraging them to be discerning consumers of information and avoid harmful content.
Encouragement and Legacy
Addressing the assembly, she reminded them of the wise teachings of their father, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who has fostered three generations with resilience and dignity. “Let his words guide your daily lives as you embody his messages of faith, respect for parents, and appreciation for your homeland,” she said. She expressed joy in hearing visitors speak highly of their manners and competence, recognising the impact of a strong upbringing enriched with Emirati values.
Sheikha Jawaher sincerely invited the youths to remain united and collaborative, seeing themselves as reflections of the unity of the UAE and the broader Arab world. “You have significant responsibilities and a nation that looks forward to your contributions,” she affirmed. “Embrace your identity, ethics, and values, and carry them faithfully to future generations.”
Feedback and Perspectives
Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, General Director of the Quarter Century Foundation for the Development of Leaders and Innovators, stated that this closing session embodied the foundation’s vision of empowering generations to participate meaningfully in societal discussions and turn their ideas into initiatives. She noted the diverse contributions and insights from members, bridging traditional values with the demands of the digital age, demonstrating their understanding of their roles within their families and communities.
The session also allowed for direct dialogue between the youth and government officials, offering a rich platform for exchanging perspectives and aligning desires with institutional responsibilities. “Our foundation continues to invest in building leaders equipped with dialogue skills, initiative, and creative thinking,” Sheikha Jawaher added, promoting a commitment to service and a vision for the future.
Rooting Values in Family
Hamid Al Zaabi, President of the Sharjah Children’s Council, articulated that the Emirati family serves as the primary custodian of authentic values and national identity. He expressed gratitude to Sheikha Jawaher for her continuous support of children, noting their need for consistent, meaningful interactions with their families, especially in an era dominated by technology.
Hamad Al Hashimi, President of the Sharjah Youth Council, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the family is crucial for instilling core values and shaping youth identity. He noted that Sheikha Jawaher’s presence instills confidence in their ability to voice their opinions and engage in community discussions. He urged young people to maintain a balance between global openness and adherence to their roots.
Finally, the members’ proposals focused on enhancing family communication and collaboration between school and home in nurturing values, preserving cultural heritage, and using modern media to engage children and youth with their language and culture, emphasising the essential role of families in fostering strong societal foundations.