Centenary of formal education conference kicks off

Manama, June 11 (BNA): Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi patronised the "100 Years of Formal Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain" forum which was organised by the Education Ministry in cooperation with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The event was attended by the Minister of Oil Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Hala bint Mohammed Al Ansari, officials, academicians and intellectuals from Bahrain and abroad. The Education Minister gave an opening speech in which he highlighted the kingdom's educational march and achievements since the beginning of formal education in 1919. He also pointed out the remarkable role of education in backing the comprehensive development efforts, congratulating the leadership on the occasion. He said the Kingdom of Bahrain has been able to take up a pioneering international status in education which was confirmed by many reputed international reports. Addressing the conference, Head of the organising committee Shaikha Noura bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Board Chairperson of Medpoint company, said UNICEF's participation in the forum is the first of its kind. She added the conference will shed light on curricula and skills for the future and the efforts made to equip students with them.She noted that the event will also cast light on the role of the private sector in education, ways of promoting the culture of excellence in higher education and success stories of the youth.She thanked the Education Minister and all the ministry staff for their support to ensure success of the forum. In the first session of the forum, which was run by Education Ministry Undersecretary for Resources and Services Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Juma'a, the Education Minister spotlighted the evolution of the educational march over the past century and the accomplishments brought about in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Meanwhile, Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa spoke about the role of the oil sector in the development process since the discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1932. He also pointed out the key role played by Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) in backing education and earmarking the needed budgets for scholarships to study various disciplines related to the oil and gas sector. For her part, the SCW Secretary General Hala Al Ansari underscored the role of Bahraini women in promoting the educational march over ninety years and their ability to deal with various challenges. She stressed their success to stand out and bring about many achievements. Participants and sponsors of the forum were honoured. Then, an associated career expo was opened showcasing many job opportunities in many local companies and institutions. Success stories of 50 Bahraini entrepreneurs will also be spotlighted in the exhibition.