DUBAI, (Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2018) The Ministry of Community Development, MOCD, has launched the Taalouf initiative, a family counselling service provided through a variety of private channels that guarantee confidentiality in order to resolve family disputes, offer guidance to married couples, and ensure family cohesion.
Sana Mohammed Suhail, MOCD Under-Secretary, said that the initiative, adopted during the annual meeting of the government of the UAE in 2018, aligns with the objectives of the National Agenda of the UAE Vision 2021 and the National Family Policy.
Moreover, she praised the active role local government entities have played in the launch of Taalouf. The partners of the programme include the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Ajman, the Ministry of Interior Social Support Centre in Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah Courts, and the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children. The ministry also invited experienced volunteers over the age of 50 and registered at the UAE Volunteers platform to support the initiative.
Suhail added that the service aims to help people achieve harmony in their individual and family lives, strengthen emotional bonds within the family, reduce the divorce rate in the country, prevent problems occurring in dysfunctional families, and address tension and alienation between spouses. The initiative seeks to reach compromises that satisfy both parties and educate parents on raising children in a safe and secure family environment.
Waheeda Hassan, Director of the Family Development Department at the MOCD, said that family guidance is an integral part of building stable UAE families, and a holistic process that requires the contribution of multiple entities.
The ministry has partnered with several relevant bodies to launch the Taalouf programme, she explained, adding that family counselling underpins all aspects of the MOCD’s mission, as a happy family is the cornerstone of a prosperous society.
