Jeel 71 programme expands across UAE to boost Emirati youth skills

The National Academy for Childhood Development and the Ministry of Family have expanded the "Jeel 71" (Generation 71) programme across four emirates to address the developmental needs of Emirati children aged 9 to 13. The initiative, which now operates in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah, aims to integrate traditional Emirati etiquette, known as Sana'a, with modern life skills. Expansion and Participation Data The programme’s growth follows an inaugural session that received more than 2,700 applications. According to data provided by the National Academy for Childhood Development, more than 400 children participated in the initial phase. The current summer edition is specifically designed for the 9–13 age bracket, a period identified by educators as critical for character formation and the development of personal responsibility. Dr. Meera Al Kaabi, Acting President of the National Academy for Childhood Development, stated on Monday, 24 August 2026, that the expansion responds to high parental demand for structured educational environments. The programme delivers gender-specific workshops tailored to the distinct developmental requirements of boys and girls, focusing on practical application rather than theoretical instruction. Curriculum and Family Integration The curriculum combines heritage-based values with daily habits such as self-reliance, mutual respect, and decision-making. By translating abstract cultural concepts into actionable routines, the initiative…