National Academy for Childhood Development’s Jeel 71 programme reinforces Emirati values and life skills among children

The National Academy for Childhood Development (NACD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, has concluded the summer edition of the Jeel 71 programme, held under the theme ‘A Generation Built on Values’. A total of 270 children aged 9 to 13 years completed the programme across four locations in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah, as part of joint efforts to reinforce national identity and authentic Emirati values and develop children’s life skills.

The programme was delivered in support of the UAE Year of Family aspirations, reflecting the collaboration between the National Academy for Childhood Development and the Ministry of Family to develop and deliver high-quality programmes that strengthen the family’s role in raising children and help nurture generations with a stronger sense of awareness, belonging and responsibility.

Over the course of 16 days, the programme delivered a total of 32 educational workshops led by nine Emirati academic experts, with the participation of 12 future caregivers, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for children.

The Jeel 71 programme was designed to combine learning with hands-on experience through separate tracks for boys and girls, tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each group. Workshops for girls covered Our Girls’ Etiquette; Our Attire; Our Identity; Our Money; Our Responsibility; and Our Creativity Sets Us Apart.

Workshops for boys included Our Boys’ Etiquette; Our Values, Our Pride; Our Safety; Our Responsibility; and Our Business, Our Future’. The workshops instilled Emirati traditions and good values, while fostering a stronger sense of responsibility and independence among children.

They also developed a range of practical and life skills, including financial literacy and entrepreneurship, creativity and artistic expression, household skills, safety and security, first aid, and appropriate responses in emergency situations.

Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, said: “The Jeel 71 programme embodies the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to invest in Emirati people from their earliest years, while reinforcing the family’s role as the primary environment for nurturing values and identity and shaping national character.

” Her Excellency added: “The programme translates the objectives of the UAE Year of Family into action by raising a generation that is proud of its roots, confident in its abilities, and equipped with the awareness, skills and spirit of initiative needed to turn knowledge and experience into positive energy that helps drive the UAE’s journey towards the future.

” Her Excellency further noted that the programme contributes to preparing generations that remain firmly grounded in their values and are equipped to take part in the country’s journey of development and sustainable prosperity, thereby supporting the objectives of We the UAE 2031.

Her Excellency Dr Meera Alkaabi, Acting President of the National Academy for Childhood Development, said: “We are proud of the level of engagement and participation achieved across the various locations of the summer edition of Jeel 71, and of the opportunities it provided for children to develop skills through both learning and practical application.

” Her Excellency added: “We aspire for the impact of this experience to extend into children’s daily lives and their families, and to contribute to raising a generation that takes pride in its national identity, demonstrates responsibility and independence, and possesses the skills needed to make a positive contribution to society.

” The programme draws its name from 1971, the year the UAE was founded, underscoring the importance of instilling the values of the Founding Fathers in new generations, strengthening their connection to their national identity and community values, and preparing them to contribute positively to the future of their country.

The Jeel 71 programme forms part of the National Academy for Childhood Development and the Ministry of Family’s broader efforts to develop national initiatives that help shape children’s character, strengthen national identity and authentic Emirati values, and equip them with life skills that build confidence, foster responsibility and encourage positive participation in society.

In doing so, the programme helps prepare aware generations who are firmly grounded in their identity and deeply connected to their national values.