- The program targets children and young people aged 7 to 18 and will continue until the end of the year in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
- The programme focuses on a comprehensive set of life skills that promote communication, positive interaction and personal development
Abu Dhabi, 31 August 2026: The Family Care Authority,(FCA) affiliated with the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has launched the Life Skills Programme to develop the personal and social skills of children and youth, to support participants in building their character, strengthening their ability to communicate, make decisions and navigate everyday life challenges.
The programme reflects the integrated efforts of the Family Care Authority and the Ministry of Education to provide a supportive environment for the development of children and youth, while strengthening the role of families and educational institutions in shaping well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills needed to keep pace with future changes.
Targeting children and youth aged 7 to 18, the programme will be held across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra during the summer break and will continue until the end of the year It features a series of interactive training workshops that combine learning with practical application, enabling participants to acquire hands-on skills that can be applied in their daily lives.
Hanan Juma Alrayssi, Acting Executive Director – Counselling & Integration Sector at the Family Care Authority, said: “Investing in children and youth is an investment in the future of our society. Equipping them with life skills from an early age and during the formative years of adolescence strengthens their self-confidence, enhances their ability to interact with others, make decisions and take responsibility, and prepares them to build healthy and positive relationships while contributing effectively to the development of their community.”
She added: “The Family Care Authority remains committed to supporting all segments of society through the design and implementation of impactful programmes and initiatives focused on human development and empowerment at every stage of life. These efforts aim to strengthen individuals’ ability to face challenges and adapt to change, thereby promoting family stability and contributing to a more aware, cohesive and sustainable society.”
She further noted: “This programme, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education, embodies the alignment of efforts to provide an integrated educational and developmental environment that supports the preparation of generations equipped with the knowledge, skills and values needed to shape a more prosperous future.”
For his part, H.E. Dr. Omar Al Dhaheri, Assistant Undersecretary for School Operations at the Ministry of Education – Abu Dhabi, said that the Ministry views life skills as an important part of education, helping students turn the knowledge and values they gain into positive practices.
He explained that the programme provides children and young people with interactive opportunities to learn through experience, dialogue and participation. This helps them better understand themselves, express their views, deal with different life situations, and continue their education with confidence.
He added that national partnerships play an important role in strengthening the impact of programmes for students by bringing together educational and social expertise and expanding access to valuable initiatives. He noted that the partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Family Care Authority is a strong example of joint efforts to provide comprehensive support for children and young people, with a positive impact on their families and the community.
The programme focuses on a comprehensive set of life skills, including character building, leadership, emotional intelligence, thinking and communication skills, social responsibility, Emirati values and etiquette, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and positive thinking. Together, these components support the development of participants’ character and personal capabilities.
Delivered through eight specialised training workshops covering a range of topics, including rights and responsibilities, assertive communication, systematic thinking, understanding banking services, public speaking, conflict resolution, managing feelings of frustration, and online awareness and safety, the programme offers an interactive educational experience that supports the development of personal and social skills among children and youth.
About the Family Care Authority (FCA)
The Family Care Authority (FCA), an affiliate of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, plays a significant role within Abu Dhabi’s social sector ecosystem, guided by its vision of fostering more stable, resilient, and cohesive families. The Authority adopts a comprehensive and human-centred approach focused on prevention, support, and empowerment, providing integrated range of social, psychological, and family care services tailored to the evolving needs of individuals and families across all stages of life.
Collaborating closely with its partners across the social sector, the Authority serves as both a coordinating and enabling entity, bringing cohesive services through its centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. Its service categories include Counselling and Guidance, Protective Care, Alternative Care, Empowerment and Awareness, and Custody Visitation, all aimed at enhancing quality of life and strengthening social cohesion and long-term community wellbeing.
The Authority’s mandate was further expanded under Abu Dhabi Executive Council Resolution No. (9) of 2024 to include shelter and humanitarian care services, rehabilitation and empowerment programmes, and specialised support for victims of violence and human trafficking. These services are delivered within a framework that safeguards privacy, preserves human dignity, and promotes family security, reassurance, and social stability.
For more information, please visit:
www.adfca.gov.ae
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