As part of the national initiative “A Balanced Child… A Cohesive Society,” the Fahim Foundation for Psychological Support convened an expanded roundtable in cooperation with the Rizq Foundation for Community Development, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, and Al Mashfa Hospital. The event took place under a joint cooperation protocol to unify national efforts to protect children and enhance their mental well-being.
The roundtable gathered senior leaders from the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and representatives from partner organizations to examine the escalating challenges facing children across diverse environments. Participants highlighted the urgency of building an integrated protection system connecting families, schools, civil society, and government bodies under a unified framework.
Dr. Sherihan El-Qeshawy emphasized that children’s mental health is no longer optional but a core component of any strategy aimed at building a cohesive society. She explained that the Rizq Foundation implements field-based and awareness programs, and that its partnership with the Fahim Foundation has already yielded tangible results—most notably the “Campus” summer series for school students, designed to promote mental health and combat bullying.
“Real change happens on the ground,” she said, underscoring that translating recommendations into actionable steps within homes and schools is the true measure of progress. Investing in children, she added, is an investment in the country’s future.
Dr. Sahar El-Sonbaty, Secretary-General of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, noted that the Council is committed to ensuring safe and supportive environments for all children. This includes establishing clear protection policies and issuing a unified child safeguarding guide for institutions. She also referenced the “Plant… Harvest” initiative, which will be implemented alongside “A Balanced Child… A Cohesive Society” to reinforce shared parenting and strengthen family roles.
El-Sonbaty stressed the importance of media and drama in raising public awareness of child welfare issues and encouraging communities to report violations.
Amb. Nabila Makram, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Fahim Foundation, described children’s mental health as an urgent challenge requiring coordinated action by families and schools. She pointed to a widening gap between children’s psychological pressures and their ability to express their emotions. Makram urged unified efforts to “stop the rolling fireball” of challenges posed by technology, social media, and artificial intelligence to children’s identities and values.
Dr. Nahla Farhat of Al Mashfa Hospital discussed the roots of childhood psychological issues, noting that many begin within the family—stemming from violence, separation, or emotional neglect—along with increasing pressures within schools. She warned that social media has become a double-edged sword, offering awareness while also creating misleading images that fuel anxiety among children.
The roundtable concluded by stressing that psychological pain directly affects children’s physical health, and that ensuring safety and proper supervision in child-focused spaces forms the first line of defense in any protection system.
This collaboration reflects a shared national commitment—led by the Rizq Foundation for Community Development and its partners—to building a more aware, resilient, and secure environment for the next generation.
