DUBAI: In an atmosphere of joy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) organised a number of activities at its childcare centres to mark Emirati Children’s Day, which is celebrated on March 15 every year.

“Dedicating a day for Emirati children emphasises the importance that the UAE attaches to the next generations, the hope of tomorrow, and the commitment of the wise leadership to protect the rights of all children and create the right conditions to develop their abilities and skills. It is our responsibility to protect children and raise them in a sound environment psychologically and socially. This contributes to building a new generation, keen to learn and gain knowledge, and capable of taking on their future responsibility to carry on the development journey to make the UAE the best nation in the world,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa.

“In line with the directives of the wise leadership to care for the children of female staff to help them achieve a balance between their professional and personal lives, Dewa was one of the first government departments to provide childcare centres for the children of its staff, which are established according to the highest international standards of modern education. Today, Dewa has the largest number of childcare centres compared to other government deparments in Dubai, with 98 per cent happiness rate from parents, who are Dewa female staff. This reflects their contentment with the advanced level of care and education provided to their children, in addition to the stability that mothers working at Dewa enjoy due to their children’s proximity to their workplace,” added Al Tayer.

Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at Dewa, noted that Dewa established the first model childcare centre for children of its female staff at its Head Office in 2010. It opened another centre at the Sustainable Building in Al Quoz and a third one at Dewa’s building in Warsan.Together, Dewa’s three childcare centres accommodate 190 children.

Celebrations included reading stories for the children on Emirati heritage with colouring and cooking activities related to these stories; videos on children’s rights; traditional games; a photo corner; promoting Dewa Store’s exclusive child-friendly offers and discounts; gift distribution; and other enjoyable activities for children and parents.