Family Development Foundation honours senior citizens and residents participated in “Digital Qualifications Workshop” service

H.E. Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General at Family Development Foundation (FDF), honoured senior citizens and residents who participated in the “Digital Qualifications Workshop” service, held in line with GITEX Global 2023. The key focus of the service was to make senior citizens capable of using technologies, enhancing their skills and offering opportunities for growth. The Foundation’s participation at the event was facilitated through the Abu Dhabi Government pavilion.

Khawla Al Kaabi, the Head of Seniors Department at FDF, said: “The Foundation, in line with the “Digital Qualifications Workshop” service, conducted several preventative and enabling sessions. The key objective of the workshop is to educate senior citizens on information technology, facilitating access to digital services that improve their quality of life and encourage healthy communication with their family members.”

“The Digital Qualifications Workshop focussed on empowering senior citizens and residents with essential technological skills to help them keep pace with modern developments and boost societal integration. The can help establish a constant communication channel between senior citizens, their family members and society,” she added.

Moza Ali Al Mazrouei, Social Care Specialist at FDF, said: “The workshop sought to reinforce technological and communication skills of senior citizens to enable seamless adaptation to developments in the current world and ensure their integration into society. It will make it easier for them to access digital resources and services that help them enhance communication with family, society and other community members. All of these efforts are aimed at strengthening their bond with family members.”

In addition, Al Mazrouei shed light on the Digital Qualifications Workshop service main areas of focus, which was developed in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA). The key topics covered in the Workshop include the world of the Internet, social media platforms, the basics of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, steps to access the ‘TAMM’ platform, obtaining the Barkitna Card and using the UAEPASS application. The session further offered guidance on how to benefit from government services available on the ‘TAMM’ platform, along with using applications like WhatsApp, phone services, Snapchat, Google Maps, Instashop and more.

The sessions held by FDF aim to empower senior citizens cognitively and digitally. It will help the senior citizens to learn to use social media platforms, navigate the internet and interact with digital systems to keep up with the advancements of society and future generations. It equips them with the necessary skills to seamlessly communicate with family and friends while adapting to the advancements of the current world and the new generation. In addition, it facilitates their access to various services, in an efficient and accessible manner.

FDF is committed to efficiently utilise the time and experience of senior citizens and residents, nurturing knowledge and skill exchanges across generations, conserving national heritage and educating the youth on authentic Emirati customs and traditions. These initiatives help serve the nation while keeping up with the growth of the young generation in a way that is in line with the Emirati heritage.  In order to attain these goals, FDF provides a wide range of services and programs for senior citizens such as the Barakat Al Dar Club, Council of Elders, Social Support to Senior Citizens and Barkitna Card. In addition, the Foundation has been hosting several sports events, especially for senior citizens and residents.