16th Edition of Sharjah Children Parliament in Session

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah has witnessed the inaugural session of the 16thedition of Sharjah Children Parliament (SCP) 2019–20, which commenced yesterday (Tuesday) at the Consultative Council of Sharjah. 

Themed ‘Leadership through Community Service’, this edition is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators.

The inaugural session was attended by the 60 young members participating in this edition, who have been elected from all Sharjah Children centres in the emirate. The session was moderated by Salama Saif Al Tunaiji, Saif Obaid Al Suwaidi, First Vice-President, Shaikha Salem Al Naqbi, Second Vice-President, and Reem Khamis Al Mazrouei, Secretary. 

Guest speaker His Excellency Thabit Salem Al Tarifi, Director General of Sharjah City Municipality was present to answer members’ questions and suggestions on how children can play a more active role in preserving and enhancing the environment in Sharjah to ensure a safe and healthy lifestyle for everyone in their community.

SCP’s current president, Salama Saif Al Tunaiji, said: “The Sharjah Children Parliament, now in its 16thedition, was established by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to teach young generations the principles of Shura (counsel) and democracy. We promise His Highness that we will fulfil our duties, and live up to the expectations you have from us. We look forward to the future because it is ours. We will lovingly work to give back to our country.”

HE Thabit Salem Al Tarifi shared with the council members highlights of his professional career, in addition to the efforts of Sharjah City Municipality to protect the environment.

Al Tarifi applauded the immense support offered to children by the emirate, under the directives of Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, saying SCP is one of its truest expressions.

First round of discussions and suggestions

Council member Shaikha Salem Al Naqbi from Khorfakkan Children Centre, posed a question about the possibility of planting flowers and trees across the emirate, and suggested providing Ghaf trees to every house in the emirate.

Abrar Hamdan, member of Al Heera Children Centre, suggested putting up barriers in some of Sharjah’s public beaches to prevent cars from approaching the shore and putting children in danger.

Shawq Khalil Sihakoh, member of the Dibba Al Hisn Children Centre, asked Al Tarifi about the key challenges that Sharjah Municipality faces, particularly with regards to children, so that SCP members can suggest solutions for them.

Aisha Ali Al Qayudhi, member of Kalba Children Centre, pointed out that an effective solution must be implemented to better streamline traffic flow after heavy rainfalls in the emirate, which causes many obstructions including water logging in places.

Anfal Saeed, member of Dibba Al Hisn Children Centre, praised the efforts of Sharjah Government to provide parks dedicated to women and children in various regions in the emirate, and suggested that dedicated play areas and courts be built for them in all parks. 

Abdullah Haitham Al Ghamay, member of Halwan Children Centre, concluded by requesting Al Tarifi for advice, which will enable SCP members to give back to their society and serve their nation.