Bahrain is filled with joy as we celebrate the accomplishments of our young boys and girls in preparatory and high schools. Their excellence shines through in Press photos with their families, their faces beaming with smiles and enthusiasm, while their parents display joy and pride.
This moment marks not just the culmination of their hard work and success, but also a turning point as they embark on new journeys and embrace fresh challenges, exploring the myriad opportunities that life offers.
If I could offer a single motto to these young individuals, it would be ‘forge ahead’. Move forward in life, follow new paths of success, and contribute to making our present more prosperous and our future more promising and beautiful. I encourage them to nurture ambitious dreams and strive towards achieving greatness and success.
I have always upheld education as a cornerstone for building a brighter future, and I am grateful to have received a quality education in Lebanon first at the International School and then the American University of Beirut. I owe this opportunity to my late mother, who fervently emphasised the importance of a good education. She even left me a piece of land to sell if needed, to ensure that I could continue my studies.
I also remember my late father’s sacrifices, bravely enduring hardships to fund my university fees, while I worked tirelessly to contribute to these expenses.
Every day, I am reminded of the profound impact of my education – not only academic learning but also the practical experience gained through work. It enabled me to establish a valuable network and mature personally at an early age. When blessed with my first child, I promptly opened a bank account dedicated to saving a monthly sum for his education, a practice I continued with my second child.
Reflecting on my own educational and professional journey, I believe it is crucial for all students and graduates to understand that success in life and achieving one’s goals does not follow a predetermined or singular path. Everyone’s journey is unique, shaped by personal circumstances and choices. It is essential for them to recognise that education and knowledge are not merely certificates but pivotal in shaping leadership qualities and cultivating various skills such as recognising and seizing opportunities, fostering innovation, exercising patience and committing to lifelong learning.
In my view, education remains the most effective means to empower individuals to pursue their aspirations and foster creativity. Moreover, the impact of education extends beyond the individual, profoundly influencing society. It serves as the bedrock for progress within any nation.
We are grateful that Bahrain has been among the pioneering nations in prioritising education, breaking away from traditional educational approaches and objectives to adopt new innovative methods and goals.
Education holds a prominent place in the vision of our wise leaders. Bahrain has and continues to establish numerous educational institutions, spanning various academic and university levels across diverse fields and advanced disciplines. The continuous development of education remains a central focus within the government’s vision and strategies, serving as a cornerstone to realise the kingdom’s aspirations and prospects.
Investing in education and providing equal learning opportunities for all is a genuine investment in the development and stability of societies. It prevents the emergence of persistent issues such as poverty, ignorance and illiteracy. Therefore, we believe that advancing the education system is the correct path for governments aiming to progress, develop and plan for a future filled with opportunities.
I encourage all young men and women, including recent graduates and those on the cusp of launching their careers, to arm themselves not only with determination but also with unwavering perseverance to achieve success. Now is the opportune moment to give back to your country by actively participating in and advancing the development initiatives initiated by earlier generations. You embody the bright and promising future of Bahrain and are poised to contribute significantly to its growth and prosperity.
akram@fp7.com
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