BAHRAIN is drawing up a blueprint for education in the 21st Century, as it celebrates 100 years since the country’s first school was opened.
Plans for the future were discussed by Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi during the opening of a two-day event yesterday.
He was speaking at the 100 Years of Formal Education Forum, which is taking place at the ART Rotana Hotel and Resort, Amwaj Islands, and continues today.
“If the past 100 years is an indicator of how things have progressed and developed, then the platform for the coming years has to be much better,” said Dr Al Nuaimi.
“We are working on a blueprint for a new phase of developed education in Bahrain.
“That doesn’t mean we have not been progressing, but we are seeking much more by building new things from the core.”
The event marks 100 years since Bahrain’s first school, Al Hedaya Al Khalifiya School, began teaching students in 1919.
Its original campus has already been fenced off and is due to be converted into a museum of education.
However, its name will be adopted by a new university – the Al Hedaya Al Khalifiya University – for which a foundation stone is due to be laid in the coming months.
“The progress of education is not beautiful schools or nice books, we have to think about elevating the source (of learning) – and that’s teachers, administrators and educationalists,” said Dr Al Nuaimi.
He said the future blueprint also sought to improve the learning environment for special needs students.
“Students with disabilities and learning difficulties should receive better education,” he said.
“We have integrated them into schools, but we want to improve.”
The forum currently underway, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), features experts in academia.
Among those present yesterday was Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who identified a need for qualified Bahrainis to occupy positions in the hydrocarbons industry.
“We are in need of Bahrainis in all oil-related fields,” he said.
“Whether existing roles or those that will emerge as a result of last year’s discovery of shale oil.”
Meanwhile, Supreme Council for Women secretary general Hala Al Ansari paid tribute to Bahrain’s strides in female empowerment, but said there was still room for improvement.
Alongside the forum, a career fair is providing jobseekers a chance to explore possible new opportunities.
Candidates can submit CVs at the event between 8am and 4pm today.
Companies and educational bodies taking part include Batelco, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), Arab Open University, Al Ahlia University, The Nine Training Centre, Think Smart Institute, Kuwait Finance House, Khaleeji Commercial Bank, Al Salam Bank, Ithmaar Bank, Al Baraka Islamic Bank, GIB, Bahrain Financial Company and UAE Exchange.
Another exhibition showcasing products by 50 Bahraini entrepreneurs is also underway.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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