In support of the country’s efforts to safeguard children’s rights and raise awareness of the UAE law “Wadima,” the “Safety Ambassadors” program by Dubai Police represents a unique and comprehensive initiative in children’s education and empowerment, particularly concerning child protection issues and raising awareness about social challenges affecting the UAE community.
This program, part of the “Safety Ambassadors Council” within the Dubai Police, exemplifies the integration of security and community initiatives and showcases the capability of national institutions to transform children from mere service recipients into active partners in creating a safer and fairer environment.
Captain Rashid Nasser Al Ali, the head of the Safety Ambassadors Council and the Child Protection Department in the Dubai Police, emphasized that the council embraces a clear strategic vision and impactful objectives, aligning with the nation’s aspirations to enhance quality of life, increase children’s awareness of their rights and societal roles, and ensure their rights are respected by those around them.
He added, “The council serves as a unique and pioneering Emirati model in the region, reflecting the UAE’s and Dubai Police’s commitment to empowering children and engaging them effectively within the framework of community protection.”
“We take pride that the UAE is a front-runner in launching such specialized councils, which highlights the leadership of its institutions in adopting quality initiatives that improve life and reinforce the concept of children’s best interests,” he stated.
He further noted, “The council carries profound messages aimed at creating a transformative community impact regarding children’s rights and fostering a generation capable of addressing behavioral, social, and digital challenges. It prepares them with self-defense tools against any violations of their rights and empowers them to positively influence their surroundings while helping fellow children.”
Moreover, he indicated that “Safety Ambassadors” not only benefit from awareness programs but are also trained within an organized framework to become future student leaders representing community and rights-based work, embodying national values and practical skills that enable them to play active roles both within and outside the community.
He added, “The program constitutes an essential pillar in the preventive and oversight roles of Dubai Police and presents an advanced model of awareness discourse directed at children in their language, through training and qualification sessions conducted in public and private schools to enhance protection and early prevention culture.”
He pointed out that the council encourages children’s active participation in the protection system through an established mechanism allowing them to express their needs and communicate with relevant authorities through safe channels, thus fostering a supportive environment for children and contributing to a more aware society prepared to protect its members from various forms of abuse or neglect.
Achievements and Awards
Fatima Al Balushi, head of the Awareness and Education Department within the Child and Woman Protection Administration and a council member, shared that “the program aims to enhance awareness of the concept and significance of children’s rights, spread awareness within the community, and train, qualify, and empower children participating in the program. It also conducts lectures and introductory workshops relating to children’s rights, monitors behavioral issues, and reports any violations or practices that children may face, which infringe upon their rights, in addition to providing a preventive framework to address any behavioral phenomena in children’s environments.”
She added, “The program has successfully trained 1,429 Safety Ambassadors, both male and female, representing 177 schools, including 110 public schools and 67 private schools, equipping them as effective tools for knowledge dissemination and raising awareness among their peers.”
Additionally, the council secured the first place in the suggestions award in its category and was also recognized with the first place in the Sharjah Volunteer Work Award 2022.
Over the past three years, it has conducted 83 activities and events and 24 educational workshops and lectures on the “Wadima” Child Protection Law, showcasing the extensive effort made in preventive education.
Furthermore, 41 Safety Ambassadors won awards at both the Dubai and UAE levels, including seven who achieved first place in the Aoun Community Service Award at the Dubai emirate and nationwide. The total number of Safety Ambassadors engaged in innovative projects reached 21.
Quality Initiatives
The council has achieved numerous accomplishments since its inception, launching various initiatives, most notably the “Child’s Voice” initiative, a television program that highlighted 403 child-related issues and addressed vital topics requiring responsible media treatment.
Additionally, the council introduced the “Safe Hands” initiative, focused on training children to confront behavioral risks.
Finally, the “Knowledge Probe” initiative involves sessions led by children themselves, benefiting 7,574 children in an educational experience that instills early leadership and community responsibility.
The total number of beneficiaries from these three initiatives has exceeded 1.2 million.
Moreover, the “My Rights and Responsibilities” game has been downloaded 184,885 times since its launch in 2019, aimed at educating children about their rights and duties through modern, entertaining, and educational methods, enhancing their awareness in an innovative and qualitative manner.