Arab Children’s Parliament
From this year onwards, Sharjah will host the Arab Children’s Parliament. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of Arab League received Khawla Al Mulla, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council and Head of the Organising Committee on Thursday to set up the Arab Children’s Parliament.
Khawla Al-Mulla said Members discussed with Secretary Secretary-General of the Arab League all required arrangements for the establishment of the Parliament, which is to be hosted by Sharjah as an initiative by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.He praised this initiative of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, putting light on that the creation of an Arab parliament for children is a good move that encourages the participation of children in discussions and decision-making and teaches them from the beginning how to build a democracy in their societies.
This is happening first time ever that Arab League institution will be based outside Egypt and in Sharjah and is being viewed as another legendary feather in Emirate's Cap.
Sharjah is ideally suited to host the Arab Children’s Parliament because this emirate has always shown its focus on family values and children-friendly environment and facilities and infrastructure. The Emirate is home to more than 12 baby-friendly health facilities, 82 mother-friendly workplaces, 28 breastfeeding-friendly nurseries, 19 mother-baby friendly public places and over 140 mother’s rooms.
In addition to scores of neighborhood parks, children’s play areas, and numerous other facilities, Sharjah has specially trained more than 2,000 health workers to deal with children’s issues. More than 25,000 CMD (continuing medical education) hours have been given by the Ministry of Health in Sharjah.
A number of brochures, booklets and leaflets have been produced and distributed by the Sharjah Baby Friendly Committee (SBF) as part of its awareness and education campaign. It attended more than 20 national and international events, exhibitions and conferences. Thanks to the Emirate’s concerted campaign, breastfeeding percentage has risen to more than 40% in Sharjah city and artificial feeding percentage has dropped to 36%.