# Sharjah Shura Councils Foster Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement Sharjah's youth councils empower children and teenagers to develop essential leadership and community service skills. - **Source:** [Emarat Al Youm](https://www.emaratalyoum.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [careers](https://brifing.si/c/careers) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b2c11910-0603-4be8-ab5e-0f66b05590bf ## Structured Youth Leadership Programs The Sharjah Shura Councils, operating under the Rubu' Qarn Foundation, provide a platform for children and youth to engage in civic life. These councils focus on developing dialogue skills, leadership capabilities, and a sense of responsibility. The initiative operates under the theme of community service as a form of leadership. ## Family-Driven Civic Participation The Al Kaabi family serves as a notable example of multi-generational involvement in these councils. Brothers Salem, Saud, and Saif participate across different age-based tiers of the program. Despite their varying ages and specific roles, they collectively contribute to the broader goal of representing youth perspectives within the local community. ## Representing Diverse Youth Voices Salem and Saud Al Kaabi actively participate in the Sharjah Youth Shura, where they discuss pressing issues and propose ideas relevant to their peers. Meanwhile, their younger brother, Saif, represents the children's council. This structure ensures that voices from different developmental stages are heard and integrated into the community dialogue. ## Core Values and National Identity The councils operate under the banner of Family and Emirati Values, emphasizing the role of the household in character building. By grounding participation in national identity, the program ensures that young leaders remain connected to their cultural roots. This approach strengthens the bond between individual growth and the collective societal progress. ## Skill Development Through Dialogue Participation in these councils is designed to refine personal character and boost self-confidence among the youth. By engaging in formal discussions, participants learn to articulate their needs and aspirations effectively. These practical experiences serve as a training ground for future roles, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development. ## The Role of Parental Support The initiative highlights the critical role families play in encouraging children to join community-based programs. Parental guidance is essential in fostering an environment where youth feel empowered to express their opinions. This support system ensures that children are not only observers but active contributors to the ongoing social development process. ## Mechanisms of Civic Responsibility The councils utilize structured debate and committee work to teach participants about accountability. By addressing community issues, young members learn how to translate ideas into actionable proposals. This process demystifies governance and civic duty, transforming abstract concepts of responsibility into tangible experiences that shape their professional and personal development paths. ## Long-term Societal Impact By integrating youth into the decision-making framework, Sharjah aims to build a generation capable of sustaining national growth. The focus on leadership and service ensures that these young individuals are prepared for future societal roles. This model demonstrates how institutional support can effectively bridge the gap between childhood and active citizenship. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.emaratalyoum.com/local-section/other/2026-11-07-1.2100135 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._