Category: Technology

Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, today visited Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifiya Secondary Boys’ School, where he was informed about the progress of the induction day for parents, organised by the Education Ministry on September 4 and 5, following the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The minister was briefed on the mechanisms to welcome parents during the induction day, and the information given to them about the new academic year.

Dr. Juma met Yasser Bani Hammad, Head of Schools, and responsible for following up on Al Hedaya Al-Khalifiya Secondary Boys School, and a number of the teaching and administrative staff.

The minister also spoke to several parents and was informed about their impressions regarding the organisation of the induction day.

He expressed thanks and appreciation to all the teaching and administrative staff at various government schools for the tremendous efforts they had exerted to prepare well for the induction days.

The Minister of Education also paid tribute to companies, institutions and commercial shops for contributing, alongside the Ministry, to organising the induction days, by distributing discount vouchers for school supplies to parents.

This is the outcome of the ongoing fruitful cooperation between government entities and the private sector, he said, noting that this distinguished partnership between both sectors contribute to increasing the options available to the beneficiaries to obtain discounted prices

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Ministry of Labor denounced on Thursday the practice of terminating a teacher’s employment in a private school or kindergarten due to pregnancy. Under the collective labor contract, an educator’s contract cannot be terminated starting from the sixth month of pregnancy and throughout her maternity leave, according to a ministry statement. Muhammad Zyoud, the ministry’s media spokesperson called on female teachers who fall victim to such practices to submit complaints through the Hemaya (Protection) electronic platform. He pointed out that the ministry made a request to the Teachers’ Committee of the Union of Private Education Workers to provide a list of schools that practice such methods. He also stressed that the ministry would not approve an internal system for any school that stipulates the termination of the teacher’s services if she is pregnant.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Ministry of Education has highlighted all its preparations for the new school year, 2023-2024, and presented detailed information about private schools and higher education institutions during a press conference, chaired by Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council (HEC).

Officials from various educational sectors and representatives of the national press attended.

Addressing the press conference, the minister congratulated students and parents, as well as teachers and administrative staff across Bahraini schools on the new academic year.

While reviewing the achievements and the decisions taken to serve education in the kingdom, Dr. Juma said that the decision to register students born between September and December 2017 has had a positive impact on parents and Bahraini families, noting that the move contributed to enrolling as many as 5,000, which increased the number of first primary school students to 15,000 up to new.

He indicated that the new school timing will be activated this year, noting that the school day will end at 12:30 pm for primary school students, 01:15 pm for intermediate students and 01:45 for secondary students, noting that the decision will enhance the students’ communication with their families and relatives.

He pointed out that many programmes aimed at improving the students’ performance and mastery of various cognitive skills will be implemented this year. These include the expansion of the students’ training on TOFEL and IELTS tests to cover all secondary school students following the success of last year’s experience as shown by the students’ results.

He also revealed that a weekly period would be devoted to the reading skill in English for the intermediate students, given its importance in improving their mastery of other English Language skills, namely writing, speaking and listening.

He also expressed the Ministry’s interest in raising the students’ competence in the Arabic language by devoting periods to reciting the Holy Quran for the first cycle of primary education students, which aims to enhance their mastery of the Arabic language from an early age, and reflect positively on their behavior.

Dr. Juma affirmed the Education Ministry’s interest in students with special needs, including those with mental challenges, noting that their classes will be expanded and well-equipped, and transportation will be provided for them.

Regarding higher education, the minister indicated that one of the most important achievements is the inclusion of all private higher education institutions within the universities recognised by the Saudi Ministry of Education, in addition to the success of a number of governmental and private higher education institutions in obtaining important international accreditations, which would enhance their local and regional status.

Nawal Ibrahim Al-Khater, Policies, Strategies and Performance Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education, also addressed the press conference. She said that the number of students in the kingdom’s 209 government schools is about 155,000, while the number of those in the 80 private schools is more than 90,000.

She added that the Mariam bint Omran Primary Girls’ School will be reopened this year following the completion of its maintenance, adding that maintenance work will be completed in some schools early September.

She also unveiled that some new academic buildings have been constructed, and new classes, buses and workers have been added to cope with the growing number of students.

She added that the maintenance of some air conditioners, the installations of new ones and the provision of new services for students with special needs will ensure a comfortable return to school for students.

HEC Secretary-General, Diana Abdulkarim Al-Jahrami, said that the number of higher education institutions and students will increase during the upcoming academic year.

She unveiled that new academic programmes, such as Internet Sciences, the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, will be offered this year, in line with the needs of the labour market.

She asserted that the achievements of the kingdom’s higher education institutions and their success in obtaining regional and international accreditation will boost investment in Bahrain’s higher education sector.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Muhafzah on Saturday stressed the need to involve the private sector in the development of the vocational and technical education system. He told a session on entrepreneurship and creativity at the Dead Sea, part of the government forum on the national economic and public sector modernization vision launched last year, that workshops and laboratories have been refurbished to accommodate vocational education programs and new vocational schools were established and equipped to welcome vocational education students. The minister told the session, titled “leadership and creativity engine”, that 25 public schools were established in partnership with the private sector, in addition to institutionalized training centers in the governorates as part of the vocational development scheme. He said the ministry seeks to appoint education staff through direct contracting in the 2025/2026 school year and that the contract’s renewal depends on performance, adding that the blended education strategy is in its final stages along with development of the learning environment. The education ministry, he added, had signed a contract with an international company to develop vocational education based on Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) specialist work-related qualifications.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Iraqi Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Safia Talib Al-Suhail, met with the Saudi Minister of Education, Yusuf Al-Bunyan, in the Ministry’s building.

The two sides discussed, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the outputs of the Iraqi-Saudi Coordination Council and the Education Committee emanating from it, and the recommendations that emerged from the Council to strengthen relations between the two brotherly countries in the field of education and ways to accelerate cooperation in this field.

Ambassador Safia Talib Al-Suhail affirmed the desire of the Iraqi side to strengthen relations with scientific institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, such as universities, research centers, and others, for the benefit of the two brotherly countries. The two sides also discussed the elite program, which includes Saudi universities hosting Iraqi students in various disciplines.

For his part, the Minister affirmed the Kingdom’s desire to strengthen the relations of the two brotherly countries in the field of education, stressing that Iraq has great scientific and cultural capabilities, noting the readiness of Saudi universities to host Iraqi students in Saudi universities, and to provide the requirements for their admission.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

More than 1.7 million students are waking up for school tomorrow morning in the Ministry of Education, UNRWA and Military Culture schools. According to the Ministry of Education, 1.7 million students are enrolled in 4,271 schools, 4,062 of which are run by the Ministry of Education. The number of students who obtained admission to transfer to government schools from the private sector as of Saturday morning was about As of Saturday morning, more than 15,700 children left private schools and enrolled in public schools. The number is subject to increase within the first two weeks of the academic year, after which public schools would stop admitting new students. The Ministry announced that the number of teachers appointed reached 2006, including 766 teachers holding a pre-service teacher qualification and preparation diploma. According to the statement, the Ministry added that the number of applications for fixed-term teachers is 107,000. The number of administrative and teaching staff assigned to Syrian-student schools reached 5,800.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) launched its model programme for the integration of educational technologies into the Arabic education system in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance.

According to ICESCO, the programme aims to provide its training hub for Arabic language excellence in Nigeria with the latest technological resources.

At the launch ceremony, held on Tuesday, August 15, at the Nigeria Arabic Language Village University Centre, Ngala, Borno State, ICESCO and Al Maktoum Foundation provided the training hub with computer and communications technology equipment to develop national Arabic education programmes, modernise Arabic language teaching materials, and train Arabic language teachers in Nigeria.

In his address at the ceremony, Dr. Bakar Boukarbih, representative of the Nigerian Ministry of Federal Education, praised the considerable support provided by ICESCO and the Foundation to Arabic education in Nigeria through the programmes of the aforementioned training centre.

Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad, Executive Director of Nigeria Arabic Language Village, Ngala, expressed his gratitude to ICESCO and the Foundation for their innovative initiative in providing these facilities for the integration of educational technologies into the Arabic education system.

Dr. Omar Yunus, representative of ICESCO’s National Commission, outlined the Organisation’s efforts to support Arabic language teaching in non-Arabic-speaking countries, notably through the presentation of ICESCO’s poles of excellence, its university chairs and the “Mishkat” programme.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) recently conducted a training program designed for 18 students of the AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation. The program centered around the fundamental knowledge of pearls and gemstones, aiming to equip these young individuals with comprehensive insights into pearl-related aspects, including extraction and examination methodologies.

The program encompassed both hands-on practical sessions and insightful theoretical modules, delving into an array of engaging subjects. These topics encompassed a rich spectrum, ranging from the historical significance of natural pearls to the intricacies of gemstone manufacturing and finishing techniques. Furthermore, the training covered vital areas such as marketing strategies, sales approaches, and the latest trends and advancements within the dynamic pearl industry.

This is the second training program of this kind for AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation’s students, following a successful program held last summer.

Delivering this year’s training was Mr. Bader Al-Shaibani, a former participant of the program who now works with the Foundation. His involvement underscores the program’s efficacy and its ability to drive progress among its beneficiaries in the realm of jewelry and gemstones.

Noora Jamsheer, the CEO of DANAT, highlighted that this initiative is a manifestation of the institute’s dedication to nurturing emerging talents within the pearl and gemstone sector. The program aligns with the broader goal of the national plan for the revival of the pearl sector in Bahrain, aiming to empower young enthusiasts and facilitate their contribution to the industry. The program’s overarching aim is to provide exceptional prospects for individuals aspiring to excel in this pivotal domain, enabling them to fulfill their career aspirations through active participation in the institute’s array of programs and training modules.

Jamsheer further emphasized that the remarkable outcomes achieved through the previous program conducted by the Institute for AlMabarrah AlKhalifia’s students earlier this year served as a compelling catalyst for DANAT to evolve and reinitiate the program. The aim is to fortify its capacity to engage a greater number of Bahraini youth within the pearl sector. It is worth noting that nurturing young talents stands as a cornerstone of the Institute’s strategic framework, designed to foster national expertise in the Bahraini pearl industry and elevate the Kingdom’s global standing in pearl extraction, trade, and examination.

Distinguished by its departure from conventional training approaches, this program takes a progressive leap by embracing innovative and interactive learning methodologies. These methods are crafted to optimize participant engagement, encompassing workshops, interactive sessions, and individual and collaborative projects tailored to augment the practical and creative proficiencies of attendees.

The program offers direct access to industry experts and accomplished educators, fostering dynamic learning experiences that facilitate profound comprehension of the subject matter.

Specifically, the program delved into an insightful exploration of the historical evolution of the pearl industry over centuries, highlighting its cultural and economic significance within the Kingdom. Furthermore, it meticulously examined strategies for industry sustainability and growth, emphasizing the need to preserve its historical value and importance. Modern techniques employed in Bahrain for cultivating pearls were also a pivotal focus, alongside a comprehensive study of the pearl and gemstone market. The program rigorously addressed understanding consumer behaviors, trends, and preferences, as well as their specific requirements for examination and evaluation services.

The participants expressed their profound admiration for DANAT’s endeavors. They underscored the pivotal role the Institute plays in pioneering innovative and captivating realms of employment. The Institute’s extensive opportunities for young individuals within the pearl, gemstone, and jewelry sectors were notably lauded. The students emphasized that their enriching experiences during the Institute’s training programs significantly broadened their career prospects and fueled an intensified passion for their chosen field.

Several students went on to share their affirmative perspectives and firsthand encounters gained during their frequent visits to the Institute. Their enthusiastic endorsements, extended to colleagues and acquaintances, encouraged exploration of this exceptional domain and the promising occupational avenues it offers. These endorsements underscored the notion of rewarding professional growth and a promising future, showcasing an elevated engagement and profound comprehension of the expansive realm encompassing pearls and precious stones.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour on Thursday 10/8/2023 hailed the effective role of the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) in linking scientific research to industry and the development of society.

He praised the contribution of the STDF to supporting the innovative capabilities of the state’s science and innovation sector, along with spearheading initiatives meant to upgrade the research system.

Ashour was speaking at a meeting of STDF board members, which he chaired at the premises of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the New Administrative Capital.

The minister underlined the significance of utilizing applied scientific research in reinforcing Egypt’s industry and upgrading and developing manufacturing, in order to benefit the national economy and the whole society alongside pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Egypt Vision 2030.

Agreements had been sealed to form five intramunicipal consortia between universities and production and industry entities in the local regions of the northern Egypt area, central Upper Egypt, southern Upper Egypt, Nile Delta, the Suez Canal area and Sinai, Ashour said.

In 2007, the Ministry for Higher Education and Scientific Research established the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) as a part of an ambitious plan to overhaul Science and Technology activities in Egypt.

The STDF has stimulated the Egyptian scientific society by funding distinguished research papers and establishing scientific partnerships with scientists from many advanced countries in order to keep track of the rapid technological changes and trends in the world.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, received outstanding students from public and private schools, along with their parents, in the presence of officials.

The minister approved the allocated scholarships and grants for the academic year 2023-2024, which were based on the highest cumulative averages and the number of scholarships allocated.

The top achieving high school graduates who obtained an outstanding Grand Point Average (GPA) had the priority in the allocation of scholarships and grants.

The minister noted that outstanding students who had graduated from public and private schools, with a Grand Point Average of 95% or more, obtained comprehensive scholarships.

Meanwhile, outstanding graduates who achieved cumulative averages ranging from 90% to 94.9%, were allocated grants in various academic majors.

The minister congratulated the students on their high academic levels, reviewed with them the scholarships they had obtained, and discussed their future.

He also thanked the students’ parents for their support in the academic achievement of children, wishing them all success in their academic life ahead.

Dr. Juma affirmed that the Ministry has taken the cumulative average as a single criterion for competition for scholarships, revealing that the total number of students eligible for comprehensive scholarships amounted to 1875 male and female students, an average of 70%, or more than 1300 male and female students, got their first desired major.

He indicated that 10% of them, about 195 male and female students, got their second desired major, while the rest got their third and beyond desired major.

The minister said a link is allocated on the same scholarship results page on the ministry’s website, to complain about the results of scholarship allocation.

Kefaya Habib Ahmed Al Anzoor, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Services, confirmed that students who applied to compete for scholarships must enter the ministry’s website Sunday-Thursday, and enter their secret numbers that were used to register for scholarships, to know the scholarship or grant allocated to them, and follow the instructions provided on the site for confirmation.

Al Anzoor stressed that if students wish to complain about the result of the allocation, they can send their plaint through the ministry’s website Sunday-Tuesday.

As for those studying abroad, obtaining a grant, they must renew the grant by sending the form on the ministry’s website (Ministry Services – Services and Forms Directory – Scholarships and Student Grants Section – Scholarship Renewal Form).

After filling and signing the form, students must ensure that all required documents are attached to the email old_stu_grants@moe.bh September-October, specifying their name, personal number, and contact numbers in the subject field of the email sent.

Source: Bahrain News Agency