Dubai Foundation for Women and Children Expands Animal-Assisted Therapy Program
The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) has launched the second phase of its animal-assisted therapy program. This initiative is part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to build happier and more cohesive families.
Workshop and Training
A workshop was organized at DFWAC’s premises, led by Zahra Poonawala, a licensed professional counselor and Certified Equine and Animal Assisted Therapist. The workshop targeted 30 service providers and professionals in social home care for women and children, as well as police officers specializing in children’s and women’s protection.
Program Achievements
Sheikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director General of DFWAC, highlighted the success of the first phase, which showed significant positive impacts on participants. The program has proven effective in reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mood and emotions.
Goals and Expansion
The second phase aims to expand the program to include more professionals who work with victims of violence and abuse. The three-day workshop provided intensive training on animal-assisted psychotherapy, including its history, scientific evidence, and ethical standards.
Impact and Future Plans
Since its launch in 2022, the program has conducted 63 visits and 202 sessions, benefiting 255 children and women. The initiative has shown improvements in participants’ social functionality, mood, and overall well-being. The program is aligned with Dubai’s social strategy to enhance family life quality and support sustainable development.
Doubts Revealed
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) -: DFWAC is an organization in Dubai that helps women and children who have faced violence or abuse. They provide support and care to make their lives better.
Animal-Assisted Therapy -: Animal-Assisted Therapy is a type of treatment where animals, like dogs or horses, help people feel better. It can make people happier and less stressed.
Dubai Social Agenda 33 -: Dubai Social Agenda 33 is a plan made by the government of Dubai to improve the lives of people in the city. It includes different programs to help people be healthier and happier.
Second Phase -: The second phase means the next part of a project. In this case, it means the next steps in the animal-assisted therapy program.
Training for Professionals -: Training for professionals means teaching people who work in certain jobs, like social workers and police officers, how to use animal-assisted therapy to help others.
Social Home Care -: Social home care is help given to people in their homes, especially those who need extra support, like the elderly or those who have been hurt.
Police Sectors -: Police sectors are different parts of the police force. They work to keep people safe and help those who are in trouble.
First Phase -: The first phase is the beginning part of a project. For the animal-assisted therapy program, it was the initial steps taken to start helping people.
Reduced Stress -: Reduced stress means feeling less worried or anxious. It helps people feel calmer and happier.
Improved Mood -: Improved mood means feeling better emotionally. It means people are happier and less sad or angry.
