Bahrain Polytechnic students and staff members have been putting their English language creative talents to the test in a bid to show their love of their country as part of GDN Media’s ‘Tribute to Bahrain’ competition.
Entries from locals and expatriates living in the kingdom have started pouring in and the young learners want to make sure they are in with a shout of a cash reward too.
Information technology student Abdulla Abdulla, who has been participating in the Foundation English course at the polytechnic, is ecstatic to be presenting his words on record.
“I’m really excited and have gained a lot of confidence since taking this course thanks to my teachers,” the 21-year-old from Tubli told the GDN. “Participating in this contest will give me a platform to talk about the ‘safe haven’ we love,” noted the young talent, who aspires to pursue a career in artificial intelligence.
Interested candidates must upload a video – up to one minute long – of themselves presenting a self-penned poem, rap or statement in English themed ‘Tribute to Bahrain’ and posting on www.gdnlife.com.
There will be prizes of BD100, BD50 and BD25 for the three best picked from all the entries by our panel of judges.
Some of the entries will also be published in print and shared on the newspaper’s other social media outlets such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
The GDN Media team recently visited Bahrain Polytechnic to promote the campaign, which will be integrated into its Foundation and Degree English courses, engaging more than 500 students.
GDN senior reporter and GulfWeekly editor Melissa Nazareth spoke to the students, giving them an overview of what the contest entails and encouraging them to participate.
Incidentally, the topics covered during the day’s lectures included writing and presentation skills. The bright minds expressed enthusiasm to participate and excitement to be applying their new skills on their entries. In the coming days, the young talents will submit their creations, bringing alive their love and pride for the kingdom.
Bahrain Polytechnic English tutor Zainab Teraif, who has been teaching at the institute for the last four years, has been working on a poetry entry hoping to capture the ‘feeling of home’ that ‘hugs your spirits’ when you return to Bahrain after a trip abroad.
“When I was studying in the UK, I started missing my country. It was a very difficult time. When I returned, I felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and that is what I want to capture. Bahrain is not just a nation– it is home,” said the 33-year-old who has Bahraini-Filipina heritage.
“I have always had a keen interest in art and poetry so, when I learned about the contest, I was thrilled to share my piece and have encouraged my students to do the same,” added the educator, who has been teaching English for the past 10 years.
Bahrain Polytechnic’s Dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies Maitham Al Muharraqi extended his full support.
“Our faculty members have harvested a bright crop of students this year and we are more than delighted to embrace their talents and potentials, especially to be part of this creative initiative,” he said, describing the contest as a ‘wonderful’ platform.
GDN Media is also in talks with a leading venue planning a National Day celebration and the winning entry may be screened, or even performed live, during one of the major events set to be staged later this month.
Bahrain’s National Day on December 16 is marked with fireworks and festivities across the country. The celebrations include traditional music, food and decorations.
Check out the latest entries at www.gdnlife.com – can YOU do better? For more details, email editor@gdnmedia.bh
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