The ‘better life’ initiative by some merchants and business owners is a step in the right direction.
The idea is to help needy families and provide financial assistance to students to continue their university studies within and outside Bahrain in co-ordination with the local authorities, as well as to assist those in need to restore and build their homes.
It also aims to encourage a spirit of solidarity and communication within society and to provide medical treatment within and outside the country as also provide the necessary support for economic and social projects to improve family life.
I am very enthusiastic about the success of this programme because of its clear vision and specific goals. This is also because its founders enjoy a good reputation in society and not run after media exposure to further their own interests.
I had recently written about how many Bahraini families do not do any humanitarian work in spite of their success and now I am sure with the setting up of this association, many Bahraini families in dire need of support will benefit.
I hope the association’s statute would also include finding job opportunities for Bahrainis, especially since they own large shares in companies and banks, not to mention in their own companies.
This is a positive step and we should be optimistic of its success. I hope the authorities will provide them all support, facilitate their tasks and avoid the often very slow bureaucratic process.
I wish the Social Development Ministry also considers a law that governs the setting up of charitable associations. What is required is to regulate granting licences and put in place strict laws and procedures for continuous control and follow-up of these associations, whose numbers are swelling all the time.
It is the responsibility of the ministry to request those associations to provide them with their annual plan for their activities as well as their periodic reports to determine the extent of their implementation and commitment to their goals and plans in writing so that no one manages to achieve their personal interests or hog media limelight.
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