As part of its efforts to collaborate with local and international educational institutions and build strong relationships with academics, Dr Maryam Matar, Director General of the Community Development Authority, recently met with Dr Suliman Al Jassim of Zayed University to discuss ways in which the two organizations can work together to exchange social research and training in order to enhance Dubai’s social development.
During the meeting the organizations discussed ways to enhance the workforce in the social service sector through government work or volunteer programs. One of the short-term solutions discussed was the implementation of specialized training programs to better equip the social workforce with the means to handle the UAE’s requirements in the field, while long-term solutions discussed centered on the development of tailored university programs to provide professional degrees in social services.
It was also agreed that the CDA and Zayed University would share research to increase the CDA’s capacity to pursue a strategic and targeted approach to providing social services for the special needs population by accurately determining the numbers and location of different special needs sectors of society.
"The CDA is looking to grow Dubai’s social infrastructure in a strategic way that is built on knowledge and understanding of the needs of the various categories of society and incorporating best practice from around the globe. We believe that this partnership with Zayed University will enhance our ability to provide world class social services for the residents of Dubai," said Dr Maryam Matar.
One potential idea was to develop programs to encourage Zayed University students to participate in social initiatives either as trainees or volunteers, as part of the CDA’s efforts to develop a culture of volunteering in Dubai.
The CDA aims to attain the goals of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, declared by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in February 2007. It will be specifically working towards promoting national identity, empowerment, enhancing social cohesion, social inclusion and social protection.
