Charitable and welfare organisations in Bahrain constitute an important part of society, playing a large and pivotal role in providing humanitarian and social assistance.
However, the presence of a large number of these entities in a country this small and with limited income and resources may lead to many negatives, primary among them being redundancy and duplication of work, as several associations provide the same services to the same category of beneficiaries.
It also leads to a failure to make optimum use of available resources. Lack of co-ordination and co-operation between associations may lead to a lack of harmony and integration between different activities. This can cause gaps in service or unwanted interference between the associations themselves.
In addition, unhealthy competition for funding and support may push some associations to focus on quantity rather than the quality of services provided.
As for administrative and oversight challenges, the increase in the number of societies means an additional burden on the regulatory and supervisory authorities to ensure compliance with standards and laws, which leads to difficulty in monitoring performance and ensuring transparency. Not to mention the dispersion of efforts, finance and capabilities, preventing the focus of efforts on more important and sustainable projects.
Some societies may face difficulty in obtaining competent and trained personnel, which affects the quality of performance and the ability to achieve goals effectively. It can also lead to intense competition for limited funding sources, which may reduce each association’s opportunity to obtain the support necessary to implement its projects.
What irritated me was the recent announcement of the Social Development Ministry of a new association called ‘Experience’ to defend the rights of retirees and preserve their gains and interests!
I believe this constitutes an absolutely unhealthy competition. Al Hikma Society for Retirees expressed its dissatisfaction, explaining that this would spark competition in representing retirees.
The current association has a long and rich history of defending the gains of retirees and preserving their rights, providing privileges and services, and organising social, sports, health and tourism programmes.
However, some may say that more societies would mean competition, resulting in the provision of best quality and services.
Although the law allows multiple societies, this does not create or add any quality or preference, because, quite simply, their capabilities are modest and private institutions do not provide any privileges to retirees, not even the ministry that is responsible provides anything worthy! Not to mention its legal status and its inability to negotiate with the government to provide any services and facilities to retirees.
This article coincides with His Majesty King Hamad issuing directives to transfer all budgets allocated to mark the Silver Jubilee of his ascension to charitable societies and funds to strengthen community partnership. The will help strengthen charitable associations and funds to do their part in better serving Bahraini society.
I see positive results from such a directive as we gear up to celebrate National Day and the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty assuming the reins of power.
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