After-school activities can provide a valuable opportunity for young people to learn and grow outside of the classroom. In the UAE, supporting after-school activities can be an important way to build a strong and connected community. Here are some reasons why supporting after-school activities is essential for community building in the UAE:
Provides a Safe and Supervised Environment:
After-school activities provide a safe and supervised environment for young people to engage in productive and meaningful activities. This can be especially important in the UAE, where parents may have concerns about their children's safety and wellbeing. By providing a safe and structured environment, after-school activities can give parents peace of mind while also providing valuable enrichment opportunities for their children.
Fosters Social Connections:
After-school activities can provide opportunities for young people to meet and connect with their peers outside of school hours. This can help foster a sense of community and belonging, which is especially important for expat families who may be far away from their home country. By creating opportunities for social connection, after-school activities can help build strong and supportive communities in the UAE.
Encourages Learning and Personal Growth:
After-school activities can provide opportunities for young people to learn new skills, develop their interests, and pursue their passions. This can help them build confidence and self-esteem, which is important for their personal growth and development. By providing opportunities for learning and personal growth, after-school activities can help prepare young people for success in all aspects of life.
Provides Opportunities for Community Service:
Many after-school activities in the UAE involve community service projects, which can help young people develop a sense of social responsibility and contribute to the community. This can also help build positive relationships between young people and the wider community. By providing opportunities for community service, after-school activities can help young people become active and engaged citizens who are invested in the well-being of their communities.
Supports Working Families:
After-school activities can be especially important for working families in the UAE, who may not be able to provide supervision or enrichment activities for their children outside of school hours. By supporting after-school activities, the community can help ensure that all young people have access to safe and engaging opportunities, regardless of their family circumstances. This can help support working families and ensure that all young people have a chance to succeed.
In conclusion, supporting after-school activities is an essential way to build a strong and connected community in the UAE. By providing safe and supervised environments, fostering social connections, encouraging learning and personal growth, providing opportunities for community service, and supporting working families, after-school activities can help prepare young people for success in all aspects of life.
Sreenevas KM Iyengar
Global Education Director
Iken Child Skills Development Training Center LLC.,
