Minister of Social Affairs: Child care requires providing a safe family and social environment supporting psychological, social, and cognitive development

Tareq Araabi: Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Child Development, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, emphasized the importance of play for children, noting that play is not merely a means of entertainment, but a natural language for expressing emotions, self-discovery, skill development, and relationship building. Hence, it is crucial to enhance the awareness of families and society regarding the significance of play and its role in a child’s psychological, social, and cognitive development.

Speaking at the Mental Health Forum and the Second Exhibition of the Ministry of Social Affairs for 2026, which launched yesterday morning under the theme “Play is Life… When Play Becomes a Language for Learning and Growth,” Al-Huwail stated that choosing this topic reflects our belief that childhood is the foundation upon which a person’s character and future are built. She added that caring for a child’s mental health begins with providing a safe family and social environment that allows for expression, interaction, learning, and growth in an atmosphere of acceptance and support.

She further noted that the forum underscores the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to supporting programs and initiatives that promote mental health, reinforce the role of the family, and support specialists and professionals in the social and psychological fields through the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and specialized practices.

Al-Huwail praised the distinguished efforts of the Awareness and Counseling Center, affiliated with the General Administration of Social Care within the Social Care and Development Sector, in organizing this forum, which includes scientific sessions, training workshops, and a parallel exhibition, all contributing to raising awareness about childhood and mental health issues.

She also extended her sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Al-Namaya Charity Association for its support and active partnership in the success of this forum, and for its contribution to supporting community initiatives focused on childhood, family, and mental health. She emphasized that partnerships with civil society organizations constitute a fundamental pillar in achieving sustainable impact and serving the community.

Concluding her speech, Al-Huwail expressed her hope that the forum would yield recommendations and practices that contribute to enhancing the quality of services provided to children and families, and that its message reaches every family: that moments of play with our children may be among the most important moments in which we build their sense of security, belonging, and trust.