Young cancer patients were given a special boost ahead of the school year as they received new school bags and essential supplies while taking part in a range of interactive activities.
The back-to-school event was organised by the Smile Initiative, an affiliate of the Future Society for Youth, which provides psychosocial support to children with cancer and their families in Bahrain.
The event brought together children, parents and volunteers in a warm and cheerful atmosphere, with activities designed to lift the children’s spirits and help them approach the academic year with optimism.
“We are pleased to continue this annual event, which celebrates our young heroes’ return to school as they progress in their recovery,” said Future Society for Youth chairman Sabah Al Zayani.
“At Smile, we are committed to providing a supportive environment that helps children and their families approach the new academic year with confidence and reassurance. This psychological support is an important part of the wider care journey, helping children maintain a sense of normality and continue engaging with everyday life alongside their treatment.”
Mr Al Zayani places particular importance on supporting children’s education and maintaining their connection with the school environment through the Smile Initiative’s Abjad Educational Programme.
“It provides academic follow-up and support throughout treatment, whether children are receiving care in hospital or at home and offers specialised teachers to help them catch up on lessons missed during periods of recovery,” he said.
“It is also designed to help children continue their education despite the challenges of illness and overcome barriers to academic progress. This enables them to maintain their educational journey, progress alongside their peers and make a smooth return to school once they have recovered.”
The Future Society for Youth’s Smile Initiative is set to launch its annual ‘Kids Are Gold’ campaign on September 5 at The Avenues Bahrain, with a walkathon and awareness stand aimed at shining a light on childhood cancer.
The campaign will begin at 8am in front of LuLu Hypermarket, bringing the community together to learn more about childhood cancer, recognise its symptoms and understand the importance of early detection.
‘Kids Are Gold’ also aims to spread hope among families of children living with cancer, encouraging them to face the challenges of treatment with strength and optimism.
The campaign forms part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, observed every September to raise awareness, support and funding for children affected by cancer and their families. The gold ribbon is the international symbol of the campaign.
According to the World Health Organisation, cancer remains a leading cause of death among children and adolescents, with an estimated 400,000 children and young people aged up to 19 diagnosed with the disease each year. The most common childhood cancers include leukaemias, brain tumours, lymphomas and solid tumours such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumour.
Launched in 2012, the Smile Initiative was recognised last year at the seventh edition of the Shaikha Fatima Programme for Excellence and Community Intelligence Awards in Abu Dhabi, winning the Support and Care for Community category.
The category honours innovative initiatives that promote health awareness and contribute to addressing challenges facing communities.
People in Bahrain are being encouraged to donate school supplies and backpacks to special needs students and young adults as part of an initiative organised by Shahzaib’s Clubhouse.
Donations can include notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, markers, crayons, paints and storybooks, among other school essentials.
Tomorrow is the final day to drop off donations at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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