Adding life to years
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The Light of Education


Summary

The Sharjah Education Council has accorded the Light of Education centers great importance for the third year in a row with the aim of eliminating illiteracy in older emirate women. In addition to providing an information package on health education, older women receive instruction in reading, writing, and memorization of some Quranic Surahs.

This initiative regarding the treatment of cases of uneducated groups of citizens over the age of 20 falls within the framework and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.  The centers of the Light of Education are entering their third year and have taken accelerated steps towards eliminating illiteracy.

Narrowing the illiteracy rate in the emirate will help individuals to be better able to engage in and contribute to society ultimately having positive impacts on their overall health and wellbeing. This year witnessed a quantitative expansion so that the number of centers increased from five to seven, “Al Madam, Al Dhaid, Al Hamriya, Kalba, Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, Al Bataeh”.

Key facts

Main target group: Only older women

Sector(s): Education

Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:
  • Intergenerational activities
  • Inclusion
  • Participation
  • Technologies
  • Other

Other Issues: creative ways to educate elderly

Contact details

Name: sharjah agefriendly

Email address: info@agefriendly.shj.ae


Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Local authorities

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Details on older people’s involvement: The older people contributed in all stages of the program

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: Yes

Was the impact positive or negative:
Positive

Please share with us what you found in detail:
Thankful feedback from sons and the grandsons of older adults and expressions of desire to complete the practice

Expansion plans:
Yes, by opening new centers to accommodate the large number of older students

Looking back

Reflections:
The need to consider older adults and ensure inclusion and engagement in society.

Challenges:
The number of participants in this practice was low when we initially launched.