Different Dialogues : Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Al Tartoor
In conversation with Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Al Tartoor – Protection of Childrens Rights Administration Manager at Sharjah Social Services Department, (UAE).
Educational Background: Diploma in Islamic studies (Law Institute – Dubai). LLB (Alexandria University – Arab Republic of Egypt).
If it were not for a newspaper article, I would never have really thought of visiting Sharjah Social Services Department for children in Sharjah. On 2nd October 2010, I read about a poor small Pakistani boy who needed necessary medical and emotional treatment due to his failing home environment. He was motherless with a problematic father. As the newspaper article had played seriously on my mind, I immediately phoned the centre. To my relief and surprise, I was invited to pay a visit, and who was I speaking to? It was Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Al Tartoor, himself. When I asked him when I could come to enquire about the boy, he said, “Madam, any time from now. I will answer all your questions.” In no time, Ahmed Ibrahim and myself were attentively listening to each other; he narrated ‘what was the child’s exact problem and how swiftly the case was being tackled.’ Whatever I was able to do in my capacity for the child: the fruit of a nurtured connectivity between me and Ahmed Ibrahim threw sufficient light for me on the useful placement of Sharjah Social Services Department for Children.
Ahmed Ibrahim hails from Palestine; he joined Sharjah Social Services Department right from its inception in 1984. He is passionate about his job and says, ‘My life is here with the children.’ I can assess how quickly he can put a smile on a face in no time.
Along with his earnest manner, Ahmed Ibrahim has an array of certificates acknowledging his sincerity in work. His educational background covering spheres of law enables him to tackle problems involved in quarrels which are not uncommon to arise due to the theme of strife-ridden homes. Practising any defending methods of protecting children will have to be framed with legalities of law. The guidelines have to be incorporated to cover the humane aspect with the pure, clinical logic. Because Ahmed Ibrahim has a grounding in legal affairs, he is able to face situations and find effective solutions – especially those arising from any sort of precarious circumstances.
Under the auspices of Sharjah Government, Social Services Department has gradually but systematically grown in its expansion. The values of the various units are based on: Quality. Equality. Acceptance. Child helpline was opened in 2007 – which means that the Sharjah Social Services Department will respond to round-the-clock-calls reporting any type of cases of child abuse. With regards, looking for alternative parents or rehabilitating the biological parents with a ‘balanced behaviour’, there is a committee to cover the challenges.
Sharjah Social Services Department can accommodate up to 16 children in their premises. There are strict privacy laws prevailing to shield the identity of the children. The Department has a new branch under foundation to give shelter to kids below two years old of imprisoned women (whose mother could be in prison, serving a sentence). Additionally, Sharjah Social Services Department is providing accommodation for old people. The staff provides physical therapy sessions, medical treatment, light entertainment to cheer the senior citizens residing in the premises.
As I got into my car to go back to Dubai, I felt hugely satisfied with the time I had spent in the morning. Ahmed Ibrahim had put a double-smile on my face, too. I felt certain that I would be able to see the poor young Pakistani boy who had drawn me to Sharjah Social Services Department in October 2010. More than that, I had learnt from Ahmed Ibrahim Al Tartoor that the poor small Pakistani boy is being regularly supervised and was going to school.
Q 1. What has been the turning point of your life? A. The turning point in my life was when I left my country, Palestine, and came to UAE. Life in UAE is better and more beautiful.
Q 2. If you could go back in time, what would you want to do? A. The question is very difficult. I would only want to be the children’s protection manager.
Q 3. What are your future dreams? A. My future dreams are to see all the children in the world are given their rights and live as the children must live the life of children.
If it were not for a newspaper article, I would never have really thought of visiting Sharjah Social Services Department for children in Sharjah. On 2nd October 2010, I read about a poor small Pakistani boy who needed necessary medical and emotional treatment due to his failing home environment. He was motherless with a problematic father. As the newspaper article had played seriously on my mind, I immediately phoned the centre. To my relief and surprise, I was invited to pay a visit, and who was I speaking to? It was Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Al Tartoor, himself. When I asked him when I could come to enquire about the boy, he said, “Madam, any time from now. I will answer all your questions.” In no time, Ahmed Ibrahim and myself were attentively listening to each other; he narrated ‘what was the child’s exact problem and how swiftly the case was being tackled.’ Whatever I was able to do in my capacity for the child: the fruit of a nurtured connectivity between me and Ahmed Ibrahim threw sufficient light for me on the useful placement of Sharjah Social Services Department for Children.