SHARJAH // Poor Emirati families in remote villages are receiving financial help from a specially formed government body.
Representatives of the Sharjah Department of Districts and Villages attended the Sharjah Consultative Council last week to discuss the progress and policies of the past year.
Aisha Seif Al Kindi, the department's director of research and statistics, said staff in the Eastern and Central regions were giving financial aid to help poor Emirati families meet their living expenses.
“We are also entering into agreements with different local humanitarian groups, like the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Foundation, to help support needy families in the villages,” said Ms Al Kindi.
To receive assistance, a family must visit the department and give their details. Their request is then evaluated to determine the support needed.
Council members voiced concerns that some families living in poor conditions would not seek help because they did not want to be classified as needy.
Ms Al Kindi said department staff were making every effort to reach out to as many families as possible while respecting their privacy and honour.
The department also helps solve family disputes by bringing together the parties to negotiate.
Khamis Saleem Al Suwaidi, director general of the department, said a dedicated police officer and social worker were based in every office to deal with disputes.
“Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, gave orders at the creation of the department to create a direct communication with the people of different districts and villages and the department is working towards achieving this objective,” he said.
"This communication is vital to bring forward the voices of the village people to the authorities and help solve their day-to-day problems."
Forty members of staff, all Emiratis, have been hired in the past year and three main offices in the Nouf, Wasit and Mughaidir suburbs have been opened, with two more in Al Hazana and Khor Fakkan due to open soon.
Mr Al Suwaidi said the department was cooperating with the Ministry of Education to host events at schools aimed at instilling discipline among students and boosting their morale.
“We are already making several school visits, especially in the Mughaidir suburbs near to our offices, and engaging students as well as their teachers in several activities,” he said.
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