Plastic waste that would otherwise have ended up in Bahrain’s landfill has instead been transformed into a source of mobility, independence and hope for children with disabilities through a pioneering recycling initiative.
Led by the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled (BAPF), the long-running programme converts donated plastic waste into funding for customised wheelchairs designed to meet the unique needs of each child.
Since its launch in 2011, 25 individuals have received new customised wheelchairs, while 16 others had existing wheelchairs modified to better suit their needs, at a total cost of more than BD40,000.
With demand for specialised mobility equipment continuing to grow, BAPF is appealing to the public to support the programme by donating plastic waste, enabling the organisation to assist more children in need.
For the organisation’s vice president, Dr Abdul Rahman Al Hashemi, the importance of providing the right wheelchair extends beyond the programme’s statistics – it is something he has experienced firsthand as a parent.
“My son once used a standard wheelchair that was not suitable for his spinal condition, which resulted in him being hospitalised for a week,” he told the GDN.
“Even a short period of using the wrong wheelchair can significantly worsen a person’s condition.”
He noted that customised chairs are often costly, with some of the most basic models purchased for his son ranging from BD1,000 to more than BD4,000.
According to Dr Al Hashemi, specially-designed chairs play a crucial role in preventing serious medical complications by providing appropriate postural support and pressure relief.
Personalised cushions help distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of painful and potentially life-threatening pressure sores, while tailored seating systems support the spine, pelvis and limbs in their proper positions.
Beyond improving comfort and mobility, these wheelchairs can help prevent orthopaedic deformities, alleviate chronic pain and even enhance breathing and digestion, significantly improving a child’s quality of life.
To ensure every child receives the right support, BAPF operates a specialised clinic where experts assess each case and take precise measurements before a wheelchair is manufactured or adapted in Europe.
“To qualify for assistance, applicants must demonstrate both financial and medical need,” said Dr Al Hashemi.
“Once we assess each case, we determine who should be prioritised, as our resources are limited.”
Among those who have benefited from the programme is 10-year-old Khadija Ammar who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a group of lifelong neurological disorders that affect a person’s ability to move, maintain balance, and control posture.
It is the most common motor disability in childhood and is caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.
Her mother, Fatema Jubail, said the family sought assistance after Khadija outgrew her previous wheelchair.
“BAPF scheduled an appointment to assess Khadija and collect the necessary measurements,” she said. “A wheelchair was then adjusted to meet her needs and delivered to us.”
The impact was immediate. “The customised wheelchair has made everyday life significantly easier, particularly when travelling to appointments and rehabilitation sessions,” Ms Jubail added.
As well as transforming lives, the initiative offers a practical way to address Bahrain’s growing waste management challenge. Since 2019, it has collected 988 tonnes of plastic, which would have otherwise been dumped in the kingdom’s landfills.
Askar Landfill, the kingdom’s primary waste disposal site, handles more than 1.4 million tonnes of domestic and commercial waste each year, a significant proportion of which is plastic.
Previous GDN reports have estimated that around four billion plastic bottles are consumed annually in Bahrain, with the majority ultimately ending up in landfill.
Members of the public can also support the initiative by donating plastic items at BAPF collection points across the kingdom.
All types of plastic are accepted, including furniture, cleaning product containers, water bottles, toys and other household items.
Collection sites are located in Adliya, near the Alumni Club, Abraj LuLu building near Dana Mall, Tamkeen in Sanabis, Abu Ghazal Garden in Zinj, Dohat Arad, near the Ibrahim Al Mahmood Mosque, Muharraq Model Youth Centre in Busaiteen, Hamad Town Model Youth Centre (first roundabout), Bahrain Sports Club Busaiteen, Saar Mall (back side), and Al Fajer School Budaiya.
Other locations include Budaiya Beach, A’ali Walking Park, Farmers Market Hoorat A’ali, Manchester Football Complex – Jannusan, Enma Mall (unshaded parking), Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Zallaq, Tubli Waklkway, Wadi Al Sail Mall, Askar Walkway, Al Qadislayah Youth Empowerment Centre in Salmaniya and Bahrain Science Centre Isa Town.
Established in 2003, BAPF works to support people with disabilities by creating opportunities, providing educational, health and social services, and raising community awareness about disability issues.
Over the years, the association has launched a range of initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities.
These include organising community events and celebrations such as Gergaoon, Hiya Biya and various summer activities.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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