Child Protection Initiatives Discussed by National Council and Alexandria Governor

Child Protection Initiatives Discussed.

Dr. Sahar El-Sanbaty, head of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, met with Engineer Ayman Attia, Governor of Alexandria, to explore collaborative efforts aimed at launching various initiatives and programs focused on enhancing children’s rights and improving their protection system within the governorate.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. El-Sanbaty expressed her appreciation for Governor Attia’s support for the council’s activities and initiatives, highlighting his ongoing efforts to strengthen the child protection system in Alexandria. She emphasized that the fruitful collaboration between the council and the governorate serves as a successful model of integration among national institutions dedicated to child protection and care.

During the meeting, Dr. El-Sanbaty presented an initiative titled “Welcome Summer,” which aims to raise awareness among children and families regarding children’s rights and issues related to their protection. Key focuses include combating child marriage and raising awareness about the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM), as well as promoting girls’ health and encouraging healthy behaviors.

The choice of Alexandria for this initiative coincides with the summer season, which attracts a significant number of visitors from various parts of Egypt. This timing is expected to broaden the impact of the initiative’s activities and its educational messages. The initiative is set to launch in mid-July and will run for two months, featuring a series of awareness activities directed at children and families in key locations throughout the governorate.

The discussion also covered extensive strategies for enhancing the child protection system within Alexandria. Dr. El-Sanbaty underscored the importance of ongoing coordination between child protection units in Alexandria and the local branch of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood. This collaboration aims to ensure swift responses to at-risk cases and provide necessary support, commending the efforts made by working teams in this regard.

Dr. El-Sanbaty noted that Alexandria is a leading governorate in child protection due to its effective mechanisms for addressing vulnerable children, along with initiatives aimed at improving children’s quality of life and ensuring their rights are upheld.

She also highlighted another initiative launched by the council’s Alexandria branch called “Health and Awareness,” which aims to support children’s health in social care institutions through regular medical visits, necessary health check-ups, and providing appropriate health services to improve their physical and psychological well-being.

Governor Attia welcomed Dr. El-Sanbaty, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood in formulating strategies for youth protection and shaping Egypt’s future. He stated: “Investing in childhood is not just a humanitarian duty or legal obligation; it is a fundamental pillar for national security and sustainable development in Egypt. In Alexandria, we prioritize child protection and motherhood care in our executive agenda, ensuring full logistical support for national council initiatives.”.

He added: “We aim to transform Alexandria into a safe, child-friendly environment free from all forms of violence or abuse while working hand-in-hand with the council to eliminate negative phenomena such as child marriage and FGM through law enforcement and community awareness.”.

The governor praised the efforts made by both the local council branch and child protection units, regarding them as “the first line of defense” for protecting at-risk children’s rights, directing all executive bodies within the governorate to facilitate their work without any hindrances.

This meeting was attended by Dr. Ghada Al-Dari, member of the board of directors of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood; Ms. Oumayma Al-Sheikh, general supervisor of the council’s Alexandria branch; Dr. Hanaa Al-Sayed, director of girls’ health programs; Ms. Mona Mustafa, general director of documentation; and Mr. Hisham Al-Khatib, director of branch programs at the council.