ABU DHABI // Every woman needs to know about the importance of early child development, says a family physician.
Dr Fayeza Nasir from the Ambulatory Health Services in Abu Dhabi was one of the first eight women to take part in the Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Fellowship in the field of early child development.
The programme was launched last October by the Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Foundation in collaboration with Yale University.
Emirati Dr Nasir, a 38-year-old mother of one, said the programme helped her to interact with children and learn how to communicate better. “It highlighted the importance of being available for these kids at all times and dealing with their needs,” she said.
“What we are working at is identifying the strengths and areas that need further improvement, and then work on these areas to become exemplary leaders in the field in this part of the world.”
She believes in a relatively young country like the UAE, child development is much needed.
“If we look at the demographics, children below the of age of 4 constitute almost 5 per cent of the population of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is a significant number. It is time we focused on social and emotional development of the child,” she said.
She said every woman should take this “golden opportunity” to learn about children’s needs.
“This initiative opened our eyes on so many things. We think if the child is healthy then he’s fine. Physical health is one aspect, and it’s time we took into consideration the social and emotional aspect,” she said.
Dr Nasir, who has a nine-year-old daughter, stressed the importance of a parent’s “nurturing touch”.
She said: “They don’t realise how important their touch is to push the child to full growth. Parents also need that kind of interaction from their children.”
She added the programme had changed how she dealt with her child, as well as other patients.
To apply, candidates must have at least 3 years’ work experience at kindergarten education level, day care centres, hospitals, Abu Dhabi Education Council, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Affairs, or in journalism. Applications will be accepted until May 1.
The 18-month fellowship programme will begin in October and end in May 2016, allowing the candidates to gain international expertise by learning from mentors from Yale University.
For information, visit: www.shf.ae
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
