Sixty members of the Sharjah Children Parliament (SCP), an affiliate of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators’ Sharjah Children, discussed the impact of their participation across the two-year journey of the parliament’s 16^th cycle, at a ceremony to announce its conclusion held virtually yesterday (Wednesday).

The members, aged 8-11 years, spoke about their exposure to several community issues, particularly those relating to children, and their experience in interacting with leaders and government officials in suggesting solutions.

The 16^th edition of Sharjah Children Parliament, themed ‘Leadership through Community Service’, convened four sittings over its 2019 – 2020 period, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators.

A short film that encapsulated the 16^th edition of SCP, including nominations, interviews, workshops, field visits and member’s participation in various activities and community initiatives, was screened on the occasion.

In her opening address, Salamah Al Tunaiji, Chairperson of the 16^th Sharjah Children Parliament, expressed her gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, for their efforts to empower children and noting their ideas and recommendations through SCP, an initiative that encourages children to take up responsibility towards their community by developing specific talents and capabilities.

“The SCP has been supporting a culture of social and community participation from an early age. It enhances the UAE’s stature by translating its vision of investing in human resources, and supporting children at the regional and global levels,” said Al Tunaiji.

The 16^th edition comprised four main sessions that saw the participation of a host of local and federal State officials. The inaugural session, held in April 2019 in the presence of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, discussed how to preserve and enhance the emirate’s environment. Themed ‘Youth and Volunteering’, the second session saw members of the Sharjah Children as well as Sharjah Youth Parliaments participate in ‘Youth City 2030’, a student programme organised in Bahrain. The third session highlighted the negative impact of bullying on children. The final joint session of both Sharjah Children and Sharjah Youth Parliaments in April 2020 witnessed the members discuss abuse and violence against children.