A Bahrain programme that provides psychological support to children with cancer and their families has received further accolades.
The Bahrain Future Society for Youth’s ‘Smile Initiative’ took the Support and Care for Community category at the seventh edition of the Shaikha Fatima Programme for Excellence and Community Intelligence Awards, recently staged in Abu Dhabi.
The category recognises innovative initiatives that help raise health awareness among communities and play an important role in addressing challenges.
“We take great pride in receiving this award, which stands as a testament to unwavering dedication of members and volunteers of the Smile Initiative,” said Bahrain Future Society for Youth chairman Sabah Al Zayani.
He also expressed gratitude to UAE president His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and praised the support of General Women’s Union (GWU) chairman and Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood president Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her initiatives in empowering the community.
“It also underscores the vital support we receive from government ministries, agencies and private sector institutions in Bahrain,” Mr Al Zayani added. “This achievement also strengthens our commitment to delivering the highest quality support to children courageously battling cancer, and their families.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to lead impactful community initiatives that contribute to building a healthier and more compassionate society.”
Launched in 2012, the ‘Smile’ initiative is a Bahrain Future Society for Youth programme that provides psychosocial support to children with cancer and their parents in Bahrain.
It has successfully collaborated with private sector and government entities, particularly the Health Ministry and government hospitals, as well as the Social Development Ministry, to spread awareness about the cause and raise funds for children suffering from the disease.
It recently launched its ‘Smile Shop’, a creative platform to support children with cancer and to sell a variety of merchandise that will be made available online and at retail hubs across the country.
The products include bags, bottles, books and mugs, carrying striking designs by Bahraini artists, with 80 per cent of the proceeds from the sales set to help the cause.
Last year, 47 children who have successfully battled cancer were honoured at a graduation ceremony held by the society. It was part of the 11th edition of the ‘Kids R Golden’ campaign, which was held at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen under the patronage of Supreme Council for Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.’
julia@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))