New MEI Website

The Middle East Institute (MEI) celebrated the launch of their new website with a reception at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia on Thursday night.  Many dignitaries and distinguished guests were present to participate in the event.  The launch introduced the updates made to the website that will give the user a more friendly experience.
To read more about the event and updates, please visit the MEI website.

Student Athletes Honored

Al Noor International School's annual athletic competition was held, and the winners announced.  There were team and individual prizes for all the winners of several different age groups, receiving literally hundreds of medals and trophies.
Congratulations to all participating student athletes!

For the full article and winners, please visit Gulf Daily News.

Labour Ministry Organizes Workshop

The Kingdom of Bahrain and its leaders continue to improve the education and training of its people.  The Labour Ministry organized a workshop on the vocational training subscription system.  The workshop was attended by members of the training department as well as ministry staff members.
The main focus of the workshop was to increase the capabilities and skills of employees that would ultimately ensure better service.

To read the article, please visit Bahrain News Agency.

Bahrain-American Cultural Cooperation Continues

Bahrain and the United States continue to work closely together in cultural cooperation.  The Isa Cultural Center (ICC) celebrated the annual renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MuO).  The cooperation revolves around a corner of the library called the "American Corner" and efforts to achieve mutual objectives in cultural and academic efforts.  During the ceremony, new books, magazines, and multimedia literature were given to The Corner.
ICC CEO Engineer Khaldoon Aba Hussain signed this year's renewal with US Cultural attache in the Kingdom of Bahrain Brad Niemann.  The agreement between the MoU and the Embassy began in 2007.
Click here for article.

Her Royal Highness on International Women's Day

As the world celebrates the achievements of women today, Bahrain's First Lady salutes those women who are shaping the economic, political, and social agenda of Bahrain.
Her Royal Highness, Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, praises the progress of women in Bahrain and their contribution to the ever developing democracy.  Her Highness is the President of the Supreme Council for Women.
She says, "As a result of various empowerment programs provided, women today are more qualified to be active participants in the democratic process.  More women have also succeeded in attaining decision making positions in both the public and private sector and are considered today as main partners in the development of the state."

To read more visit Bahrain Women and Tribute to Women.
To learn more about Supreme Council for Women, visit here.

Media-education reform plan hailed

THE National Commission implementing Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) recommendations yesterday hailed steps taken to reform the media and education sectors, describing them as important initiatives to bolster national unity.

This came as Shura Council and panel chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh presided over a meeting to review government procedures to carry out BICI proposals.

He urged all parties to join ranks to rebuild bridges of confidence.

Mr Al Saleh said the government's plan referred to the panel to reform the information sector was in conformity with BICI recommendation.

It was drafted taking into account proposals by French media experts to reduce censorship and launch programmes to boost people's participation...

The panel welcomed the signing of a memorandum between the Education Ministry and the Unesco to reform school curricula.

It stressed the importance of designing primary, secondary and university programmes to promote religious and political tolerance in particular and bolster human rights, the rule of law and respect for educational institutions.

The panel also suggested a review of citizenship and social education curricula, stressing that Bahraini specialists should be commissioned, backed by Arab and international experts, to design syllabi based on citizenship to promote respect for opinions of others amongst youngsters. It recommended a code of conduct based on global standards and practice to set criteria governing the education sector and its relation with other social segments.


To read article, please visit Gulf Daily News.