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A programme that aims to foster children’s awareness of Bahrain’s history and cultural heritage through a series of engaging and interactive activities is set to make its return next week.
The second edition of the Children’s Cultural Programme, organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), will start on Monday and run until August 19.
It will nurture children’s artistic and intellectual development while strengthening their connection to the kingdom’s rich heritage and cultural values.
Each week will explore a distinct theme, showcasing a different aspect of Bahrain’s cultural heritage through the following titles: ‘Tales from History’, ‘Palm Tree Tales’, ‘Arts and Crafts’, and ‘Heritage Tales’.
The opening week, ‘Tales from History’, explores Bahrain’s maritime heritage and its enduring role in shaping the kingdom’s history and identity.
There will be a particular emphasis on pearl diving, which is an integral part of Bahrain’s cultural legacy.
Activities will feature the participation of Aisha Al Sulaiti alongside a distinguished group of nukhidha (pearl boat captains).
Through engaging activities and games, children will explore seafaring life and traditional fishing practices, gaining a deeper appreciation of Bahrain’s maritime traditions.
A number of educational workshops and hands-on learning experiences will also highlight the significance of the Dilmun civilisation and its lasting contribution to Bahrain’s national identity as part of efforts to bring the kingdom’s archaeological heritage to life.
The second week, ‘Palm Tree Tales’, celebrates palm trees as a defining element of Bahraini life and culture.
Bahrain, alongside 13 Arab countries, contributed to the inscription of knowledge, skills, traditions and practices associated with the date palm on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2019.
Throughout the week, children will take part in educational sessions and practical workshops highlighting the palm tree’s importance in both Bahrain’s heritage and everyday life.
Dr Jawaher Kadhem and a number of specialists will participate in hands-on activities, including preparing date-based products and designing contemporary interpretations of traditional areesh houses.
It comes as part of efforts to encourage creativity while strengthening children’s connection to traditional crafts and cultural heritage.
The third week, ‘Arts and Crafts’, will focus on the traditional handicrafts for which Bahrain is renowned.
There will be a variety of practical workshops including rug-making, decorating bags with gold thread, and traditional pottery through which participants will be able to develop their artistic skills.
Participants will also visit traditional pottery workshops in A’ali, where they will gain first-hand insight into one of Bahrain’s oldest crafts, before exploring the Traditional Crafts Hall at the Bahrain National Museum.
Artist Hanadi Al Ghanim will also lead the Little Picasso’s Touch workshop, offering children a unique artistic experience that encourages creative expression while strengthening their appreciation of Bahrain’s artistic and craft traditions.
Meanwhile, the final week, ‘Heritage Tales’, will celebrate the richness and diversity of Bahrain’s cultural heritage and introduce children to stories, customs and traditions that continue to shape the kingdom’s national identity.
The programme will include a guided tour of the Customs and Traditions Hall at the Bahrain National Museum along with a series of practical workshops.
This will include creating traditional plaster doors, producing decoupage artworks using vintage fabrics, and preparing traditional Bahraini sweets and dishes.
Participants will also visit the Showaiter factory in Muharraq, where they will discover the traditional process of making authentic Bahraini sweets.
An interactive activity called Finjan Al Sanaa with Aisha Al Sulaiti will introduce children to the values and etiquette of traditional Bahraini hospitality.
Children will also discover traditional games and take part in a photography experience in traditional Bahraini attire, creating lasting memories while strengthening their appreciation of the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
- For more information, participants can check @culturebah on social media.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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