SSSD launches "Old Homes Caravan" third time in row

Ahmed Nasser Al Naqbi, the Director of Branches, shared that the initiative is taking place across all department branches. Each branch focuses on a different aspect of our heritage that was important in the past, showcasing the close-knit relationships and sense of community among the residents of what they call the "first neighborhood." This approach helps to remind everyone of the love and connection that defined the lives of our ancestors.

Activities

This initiative includes a variety of activities to bring the community together. One of the highlights is the distribution of popular dishes like "Harees," which is commonly enjoyed during Ramadan meals. Children play a special role in sharing these dishes with their neighbors.

In addition, the program organizes communal breakfasts in each neighborhood where families come together to prepare and share their favorite meals, honoring the tradition of exchanging food with each other. After the evening meal (iftar), there are fun traditional games and competitions, along with informal gatherings where people of all ages can share stories and memories, helping to strengthen the bond between the younger and older generations.

Home decoration

The initiative involves decorating neighborhoods for Ramadan with beautiful lights and decorations for homes supported by the department's services. Many employees are participating in this effort before the holy month begins. The goal is to create a festive Ramadan atmosphere and encourage kindness and community spirit among the residents.

According to Al Naqbi, this initiative has been running for three years and includes four different projects. The main aim is to help families stay strong and united by building supportive social networks. Additionally, it seeks to revive the traditions of our ancestors and share these with younger generations, focusing first on children and then on their parents.

Bridging the gap between generations

The Khorfakkan branch of the Social Services and Social Development (SSSD) announced the launch of the "Old Homes Caravan" initiative. This initiative aims to strengthen the bonds between different generations within families, especially between grandparents and their grandchildren. With the rapid growth of technology and the rise of artificial intelligence, there is a noticeable gap in communication between these generations. This program seeks to address the increasing social isolation many feel and to promote more direct family interactions.

Maryam Nasser, the Director of the Khorfakkan branch, shared her insights on recent changes in society. While these modern advancements are important for making our lives easier, they have also impacted how families and communities interact with one another. To address this, unique community programs have been launched to help balance modern life with traditional values and strengthen relationships within families.

One of these initiatives is called the "Old Homes Caravan," which includes four different programs. The main aim of these efforts is to promote stability and unity among grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren, while also reinforcing essential social values in our communities.

One of the exciting projects this year is the "Ramadan Illuminations in Residential Neighborhoods." During the holy month of Ramadan, this initiative aims to light up neighborhoods with beautiful decorations that reflect the spirit of the season. It also includes community iftar meals, where residents of all ages can come together to break their fast, along with workshops that encourage grandparents to share their stories and values with their grandchildren.

The goal of these activities is to strengthen the bonds within families and between generations. As technology continues to change our lives rapidly, such initiatives help bring grandparents and grandchildren closer together by encouraging conversations and shared experiences. The organizer hopes that various community members and organizations will join in to support these efforts, ensuring that they succeed and positively impact society.

Al Hamriyah SSSD

Aisha Al Hammadi, the Director of the Al Hamriyah branch, shared how their team has brightened up local neighborhoods by decorating them with beautiful lights and festive decorations for Ramadan. This effort is meant to strengthen feelings of community and loyalty, promote values like kindness and compassion, and help those in need during this special time. It also brings joy and happiness to families who benefit from the local services.

Aisha noted that this initiative was very well received, with many families expressing their happiness and gratitude. These decorations not only brought joy to their homes but also helped create a warm and festive atmosphere for Ramadan, highlighting the importance of coming together as a community.

She mentioned that they looked at how well the initiative worked by listening to feedback from families and staying in touch with them after the project began. The results showed that many families were very happy and that the initiative met its goals of bringing people together and creating a positive environment.

She also stated that adding Ramadan lights to the homes of families in need represents the values of kindness and support that are important in Emirati culture. It helps strengthen the spirit of giving and community, especially during special religious times.

In her closing remarks, she highlighted that this initiative aligns with the department's goal of improving the lives of families in need. She pointed out that community work goes beyond just giving material help; it includes heartfelt actions that spread joy and happiness in homes.