Deputy Premier patronises BTC graduation ceremony

Manama, Feb. 20 (BNA): Deputy Premier and President of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, patronised today the graduation ceremony of the fifth and sixth batches of the students of the Bahrain Teachers’ College (BTC). Shura Council Chairman, Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, ministers and guests attended the ceremony, which was held at the Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa’s Hall at the University of Bahrain (UoB) in Sakhir. HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak expressed delight in patronising the event, noting that it is a dear occasion in which science and knowledge, the basis for building humans and nations’ future, are honoured. It is also an opportunity to re-affirm interest in preparing teachers to be able to play their noble role in ensuring the graduation of generations of students who advance their country and society, he added. "We are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Teachers' College as one of the initiatives of the Education and Training Development Project, which we initiated as part of the Reform Project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Economic Vision for Bahrain, 2030," he also said. The deputy premier went on to say that the graduation of the fifth and sixth batches of the BTC has strengthened the college’s role in rehabilitating teachers and enhancing their professional skills, noting that the practice of the teaching profession has become a part of BTC’s academic programme to prepare teachers beginning from the from day in which they join it. HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak congratulated the graduates and their parents, paying tribute to BTC teachers and officials for the efforts they are exerting. Education Minister and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UoB, Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, delivered a speech in which expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the deputy premier for patronising the graduation ceremony. He highlighted BTC’s achievements during the academic year, 2016-2017, noting that BTC has provided the Education Ministry with highly-qualified teachers, who contributed to improving the quality of education across Bahraini schools, and to the kingdom’s success in attaining milestone achievements at international competitions. Then, UoB President, Dr. Riyad Yussef Hamza, in his statement, congratulated the graduates, and highlighted BTC’s success in delivering high-quality education and graduating highly-qualified teachers. This, he said, is proved by the reports submitted by school principals who praised the college’s graduates’ outstanding teaching abilities. After that, Education Ministry’s Undersecretary for Resources and Services and BTC’s Board Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Juma’a, voiced pride in HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak’s support for BTC since its establishment, which, he said, contributed to its success, praising the role played by the Minister of Education in this regard. Then, BTC Dean, in his statement, affirmed BTC’s commitment to graduating highly-qualified teachers who are capable of leading the teaching and educational process with exceptional competence and skill. He added that BTC will become one of the main teachers’ colleges regionally and internationally, wishing the graduates a successful professional career. After that, the deputy premier presented the 557 graduates with certificates and honoured top-achievers. It is to be noted that BTC is celebrating 10 years since its opening by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.  Over the past ten years, BTC has produced many scientific books, as well as research papers and studies based on its experience. Many BTC teachers took part in scientific conferences, and published research and studies in specialised education journals and magazines.