_news
بمناسبة اليوم العالمي للطفل .. وزير التنمية الاجتماعية: مملكة البحرين تزخر بسجل حافل ومضيء من الإنجازات في مجال الطفولة
19-11-2024
بمناسبة اليوم العالمي للطفولة والذي يصادف 20 نوفمبر من كل عام .. الزياني: البحرين حققت إنجازات نوعية فيما يتعلق بقضايا الطفولة وقدمت نموذجاً متقدماً في حماية الطفل
19-11-2024
On World Children’s Day: Social Development Minister highlights Bahrain’s achievements in child welfare
19-11-2024
Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development and Chairperson of the National Commission for Childhood, highlighted Bahrain’s significant achievements in child welfare, reflecting 25 years of progress under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He credited Bahrain’s efforts in safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their healthy development. Speaking on World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, the minister emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to international child rights agreements, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Bahrain ratified in 1992. He noted the country’s initiatives to adopt the best global practices and enhance indicators for child welfare. Al Alawi highlighted the recent implementation of the Restorative Justice and Child Protection Law, which safeguards children under 18 from abuse and ensures their rehabilitation and integration into society. The Child Protection Centre supports these efforts with a 24/7 child helpline (998) for reporting violence or abuse, offering counselling, psychological support, and legal assistance. This year, the centre conducted 94 training sessions and workshops through 22 initiatives in collaboration with relevant entities. Bahrain’s comprehensive initiatives include a social care complex offering specialised services for at-risk children and holistic support for children with disabilities, including rehabilitation and assistive devices. These efforts reflect Bahrain’s dedication to ensuring inclusive care and protection for all children. The Minister also praised the role of the National Commission for Childhood, which unites representatives from ministries, NGOs, and civil society to promote children’s development. He highlighted the National Childhood Strategy (2023–2027), designed to enhance children’s health, education, and social welfare through 163 initiatives under eight pillars. Bahrain’s ongoing efforts reaffirm its commitment to creating a nurturing environment for children, ensuring their rights, and preparing them for a bright future.
Social Development Minister meets Indian ambassador to Bahrain
19-11-2024
Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, met with Vinod Kurian Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain. Both sides reviewed the longstanding ties between Bahrain and India across various domains and discussed ways to further enhance these relations for mutual benefit. Bahrain’s efforts in strengthening social protection and care systems were also highlighted. The ambassador expressed gratitude to the minister and reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering strong cooperation with Bahrain.
Social Development Minister meets WHO representative
19-11-2024
Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, met with Dr. Tasnim Atatrah, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Bahrain. The minister commended the strategic partnership between Bahrain and the WHO, highlighting its role in achieving shared goals, particularly in social development. He emphasised the importance of continued coordination and collaboration to achieve further progress. Dr. Atatrah expressed gratitude to the Bahraini government for its support and fruitful cooperation across various sectors, wishing Bahrain continued progress and prosperity.
Minister of Social Development Chairs the 4th Meeting of the National Committee for Childhood for 2024
18-11-2024
H.E. Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, presided over the fourth meeting of the National Committee for Childhood, held virtually. The meeting was attended by Committee members representing the relevant government entities and civil society. During the meeting, the Minister extended a warm welcome to Committee members, commending their contributions and urging them to continue building on past successes, leading towards further achievements in the area of childhood development. The Committee reviewed the progress of its current projects, which align with the National Strategy for Childhood (2023-2027), to foster childhood development at every age across the dimensions of education, culture, and psychology. The Committee’s projects aim to enhance the care and support of children, ensuring their fundamental rights are met, enabling their optimal growth and development. Moreover, the Committee discussed its upcoming arrangements for the World Children's Day, taking place on November 20th, which will include organizing an event that will feature an informative program and activities geared towards children.
Social Development Minister assumes duties
11-11-2024
Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, met with Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor to assume ministry responsibilities. Al Alawi emphasised his commitment to building on past achievements in social development, serving the Kingdom as part of Team Bahrain, and working towards the goals of the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The minister also commended Al Asfoor's efforts during his tenure, acknowledging the programmes and initiatives implemented to strengthen the social services system. Al Asfoor congratulated Al Alawi on the royal trust. He thanked the ministry staff for their dedication in enhancing the quality and efficiency of services and advancing social development, wishing Al Alawi success in his new role.
Minister of Social Development meets with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Sultanate of Brunei (DarAlsalam)
05-11-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, met with H.E. Mr. Dato' Haji Nazmi Haji, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Sultanate of Brunei (DarAlsalam), and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of H.E. official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain to participate in the activities of the "Hope Network", the global network supporting youth competitiveness. During the meeting, H.E. the Minister praised the depth of the distinguished bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Brunei (DaAlsalam), and the steady development in the various Social Development fields, expressing H.E. aspiration to enhance cooperation between the two sides in the areas of social development. During the meeting, various topics of shared interest were reviewed, and views and perspectives were exchanged on best practices in social development, within the protection and social care procedures for various society segments . For his part, H.E. the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Sultanate of Brunei (DarAlsalam) praised the efforts made by the Ministry of Social Development in supporting all society segments, noting that this visit comes within the framework of enhancing cooperation that contributes to enriching development and social exchange between the two countries.
Under the patronage of H.H. Sh. Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa .. Minister of Social Development inaugurates the 1st regional conference on curricula for education and training for Disabled
05-11-2024
Under the patronage of H.H. Sh. Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Youth and Sports Council , President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, inaugurated the first regional conference entitled "Education and Training Curricula for Disabled: Effective Strategies and Practices", which was organized by the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society in cooperation with the Academic Excellence Center for Scientific Services and Training, with the participation of a number of experts, specialists and those interested in this field, at the Crown Plaza Hotel. On this occasion, H.H. Sh. Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa stressed that the conference represents an important step towards enhancing efforts aimed at supporting and empowering disabled, and reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain's firm commitment to developing educational and training programs that are in line with the best international practices and meet the needs of this segment of society. His Highness added, "We believe that education and training are the cornerstone for empowering disabled and integrating them fully and effectively into society. Through this conference, we look forward to exchanging experiences and ideas between experts and specialists, and coming up with practical solutions that contribute to improving the quality of educational and training programs, thus contributing to achieving sustainable development and a brighter future for all." H.H. Sh. Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed H.H. sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed to organizing this prominent event, wishing the participants to benefit from the fruitful sessions and discussions to reach the best experiences and effective practices in this field. The conference main objectives is to review the most important effective curricula and programs in educating and training disabled and increasing awareness and understanding of their challenges and needs in the field of education and training, in addition to discussing and examining academic studies, modern research and innovations that contribute to developing their curricula and programs, as well as enhancing the capabilities and skills of teachers, trainers and specialists in the field of education, as the conference is a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences between participants. The conference also highlights best practices and innovations in the field of education and training for people with disabilities using assistive technologies, smart applications and technological tools, and enhancing cooperation and partnerships between educational institutions, non-governmental organizations and the community, in addition to raising awareness and education about the need to provide equal and appropriate education and training opportunities for this important segment of society. The speakers at the conference presented scientific papers that included basic themes, including the reality of education and training for people with disabilities, and the axis of innovation and assistive technology in education and training. The conference also included discussions and dialogue sessions in addition to workshops aimed at raising awareness and exchanging experiences and knowledge about the importance of providing comprehensive and integrated curricula and programs that meet the education and training needs of this group. It is worth noting that this conference targets disabled, teachers and specialists in related fields, as well as academics, faculty members, researchers and graduate students, in addition to entities that provide special education services.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development participates in the 30th Anniversary Conference of the Family International Year in Doha
31-10-2024
Ms. Sahar Rashid Al-Mannai, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, participated in the 30th Anniversary Conference of the Family International Year, which was held at the Qatar Convention Center in the capital Doha, under the title "The Family and Major Contemporary Trends", organized by the Doha International Family Institute, and supported by the United Nations (UN) Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development participated in the working session to present Gulf experiences related to the impact of technology on social development affairs related to the family and contemporary challenges in this regard, in addition to relevant national policies and strategies. This year's conference raises a number of important topics such as technological developments, migration and urbanization, climate change, in addition to demographic challenges, and the impacts these issues have on the family and maintaining its cohesion.
With the attandance of the Minister of Social Development .. The Executive Bureau of the High Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities organizes the "Takaful Program" ceremony
27-10-2024
The Executive Bureau of the High Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities organized the "Takaful Program" ceremony for persons with disabilities in the presence of H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development and Chairman of the High Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities, and with the participation of H.E. Sh. Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Executive Bureau of the Committee, members of the Committee, a number of chairmen of the boards of directors of the concerned NGO's and invitees, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. At the beginning of the ceremony, the Minister of Social Development stressed that the initiatives to support social and charitable work are an actual translation of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and with the support and diligent follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, towards improving the quality of services provided to persons with disabilities in order to facilitate their lives and integrate them into society, praising in this context the initiative of the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait by providing wheelchairs with special specifications, as part of the second phase of the "Takaful Program" for Persons with Disabilities. The ceremony included a brief film on rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, honoring the entities supporting the "Takaful Program", in addition to distributing devices and wheelchairs to beneficiaries. H.E. pointed out that the values of support and assistance implemented by various sectors reflect their keenness to consolidate the principles of community partnership as an honorable image of national responsibility that contributes significantly to meeting the requirements of individuals and society, stressing that development initiatives are an example to be followed by many sectors in order to implement more projects supporting charitable and humanitarian work.
24-10-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, welcomed H.E. Ms. Esen Cakil, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Kingdom of Bahrain. During the meeting, H.E. the Minister stressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to enhance the joint cooperation relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Turkey, and supporting the development in various fields, including the areas of social development related to the Ministry. During the meeting, various topics of common interest were discussed, as well as opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries and advance it to broader horizons to serve common interests.
The Ministry of Social Development organizes an awareness introduction lecture in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Center
20-10-2024
The Ministry of Social Development, represented by the Rehabilitation Welfare Directorate, and in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Center, represented by the Follow-up and Education Department, organized an awareness introduction lecture entitled "Cyber Safety for Children with Disabilities", for parents of students enrolled in academic and vocational rehabilitation centers. During the lecture, the importance of intensifying cooperation to protect disabled from the risks of cyber phishing attacks was emphasized, by raising their awareness and enabling them to adapt and be flexible towards their experiences with technology and potential dangers in cyberspace. The attendees were also introduced during the lecture to the concept of cyber security, its importance and the most important cyber risks facing children with disabilities, in addition to best practices for the safe use of technology through practical examples of email, websites and anonymous links, in addition to the role of parents in protecting their children from cyber risks. The lecture also included a practical discussion section where attendees learned about the security settings and features available in the browser, applications and games, and how to activate parental control settings to supervise children's accounts and activities. At the end of the lecture, attendees were briefed on the "Educational Bag for Protecting Children in Cyberspace" launched by the National Center on its official website, which includes a set of cyber awareness resources for parents, such as a guide on how to activate the parental control feature for a number of systems and devices, and other activities that enable raising family cyber awareness.
With the attendance of the Minister of Social Development .. the ending of the 2nd Regional Conference organized by Bahrain Mobility International Center and Arab Volunteery Union
16-10-2024
With the attendance of H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, the Bahrain Mobility International Center , in cooperation with the Arab Volunteer Union, organized today, Wednesday, the closing ceremony of the 2nd regional conference entitled "Building and Exchanging Joint Learning on Reproductive Health Issues for People with Disabilities", with the participation of a number of experts and specialists from Arab countries, at the Gulf Hotel. In H.E. speech, the Minister of Social Development stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is continuing its efforts in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and achieving more gains that will enable them to raise the level of their active participation in society in line with the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the years (2023-2027), noting in this context the keenness to push for more prospects of cooperation with all governmental, civil and private institutions to provide equal opportunities for this category in all societal and developmental fields. H.E. the Minister of Social Development noted that the conference aims to achieve more gains for the disabled, especially in the health sector, within the framework of consolidating the principles of justice and equality among all members of society, pointing out the attention and follow-up that this category receives in accordance with the legal framework to preserve and protect their rights at various levels, with the aim of promoting the principles of justice, equality and equal opportunities among all citizens in general, and persons with disabilities in particular. H.E. stressed that the Ministry is working, in community partnership, to harness all means of support and care for persons with disabilities, to provide them with comprehensive protection and enjoy true equality with their peers in society, and efforts will continue to improve the conditions of this dear category and preserve the gains that have been achieved, in a way that contributes to enhancing their participation in society.
With the attendance of the Minister of Social Development .. The National Committee for the Elderly celebrates with the older people on their Arab Day
11-10-2024
With the attendance of H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development and Chairman of the National Committee for the Elderly, the committee organized the Arab Day for the Elderly event, with the participation of Mrs. Zainab Salman Al Owainati, Assistant Undersecretary of Rehabilitation & Walfare, a number of ministry officials and committee members, and day care institutions for parents, at the headquarters of Al-Hekma Retired Society. In H.E. speech, the Minister of Social Development stressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to harness all means of support and care for the elderly, and enhance the services provided to them, in addition to encouraging humanitarian and national programs and initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life and their active participation in society, noting that the celebration of the Arab Day for the Elderly comes as an affirmation of appreciation and gratitude to all fathers and mothers who contributed to the development of society, raising the youth, serving the nation and raising its flag. The Minister of Social Development referred to the Bahraini experience in caring for the elderly by enhancing their capabilities and activating their social role, praising the positive models that have proven their excellence in serving society, while seeking to provide all possibilities to benefit from their experiences and ideas. H.E. also stressed that the Ministry of Social Development will continue its efforts in cooperation with relevant ministries, institutions, civil society and the private sector, through the National Committee for the Elderly, to continue providing the best services, expressing his appreciation for the initiatives of the relevant sectors, by providing the necessary care and attention to this community group, in appreciation of their contributions and role in building society. The ceremony included a number of artistic segments, a video presentation of the success stories of members of day care institutions for parents, in addition to an exhibition of products for the elderly, and a number of distinguished elderly people were honored in various fields.
During a ceremony organized by the Tree of Life Charity Society .. The Minister of Social Development honors 170 orphans of superiors students
30-09-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, honored (170) orphan superiors students, who excelled in all academic stages, during a ceremony organized by the Tree of Life Charity Society, in the presence of Mr. Khalil Al-Dailami, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Society, and a number of community figures, parents and invitees, at the Gulf Hotel. During H.E. speech at the beginning of the ceremony, the Minister of Social Development congratulated the superiors students on their academic achievement, wishing them more success and prosperity, stressing the Ministry's support for all initiatives that enhance the chances of success for members of society, and enable them to achieve their ambitions, and keenness to harness appropriate means for constructive initiatives, pointing to the importance of consolidating the principles of community partnership in order to achieve development goals, and build an equal society full of giving. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Tree of Life Charity Society expressed their appreciation to H.E. the Minister of Social Development, stressing the continuous endeavor to launch development projects directed at various segments of society, and support national efforts in building and renaissance of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, Minister of Social Development: Keenness to continue providing all means of support and care for the elderly in appreciation of their pivotal
30-09-2024
H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development and Chairman of the National Committee for the Elderly, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is keen to continue providing all means of support and care for the elderly, in appreciation and recognition of their social status and vital role in the nation's renaissance, as they are an important part of the social fabric. This came on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, which falls on October 1 of each year, where H.E. the Minister of Social Development indicated that the Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the leading countries in forming a national committee for the elderly that includes representatives from the government, civil and private sectors, to advance all services provided to this group, which embodies national efforts in adopting the best programs and initiatives in the care and development fields that ensure the consolidation of social security among various segments of society. Al-Asfoor added that the Ministry of Social Development continues its efforts with various concerned sectors, within the framework of an integrated and comprehensive system of community partnership, and reflects the values of social solidarity, in order to enhance social care services provided to the elderly, and to ensure that they receive the best service standards, in addition to benefiting from their expertise, and enhancing their presence and participation in society. In a related context, H.E. noted that preserving and protecting the rights of the elderly and supporting all initiatives and programs that contribute to achieving this goal are among the priorities of the Ministry, pointing at the same time to the positive repercussions achieved by day care institutions for parents, which are supervised by the Ministry of Social Development and managed by civil society institutions, to provide a range of comprehensive care services for this important group in society. H.E. also added that the Ministry of Social Development has allocated an office for elderly services, with the aim of ensuring the sustainability of providing the best services to this group, through the integration of efforts between government agencies and cooperation with the private sector to secure various means of support and provide the necessary facilities in various aspects, in a way that enhances access to the desired goals.
On the International Day of Older Persons .. Assistant Undersecretary of Rehabilitation and Welfare for BNA: Comprehensive strategies to support the elderly in the Kingdom of Bahrain
30-09-2024
Ms. Zainab Salman Al-Awainati, Assistant Undersecretary for Rehabilitation and Walfare at the Ministry of Social Development and member of the National Committee for the Elderly, affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's interest in supporting the elderly, as the Kingdom adopts comprehensive strategies, including the National Strategy for the Elderly, which includes all areas concerned with enhancing the quality of life of the elderly, social and health policies, and other areas that support them, which has strengthened the Kingdom of Bahrian's position as one of the advanced countries in the Arab world, regionally, and internationally in its strategic vision for development services provided to this group. In a special interview with Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the occasion of the (International Day of Older Persons), which falls on October 1, the Assistant Undersecretary of Rehabilitation and Welfare indicated that the Kingdom of Bahrain provides a package of integrated and supportive services to the elderly, including a cost-of-living allowance and social security, in addition to providing prosthetic devices to support their daily needs such as wheelchairs and medical beds, as well as providing family and social consultations for them and their families. She added that the ministry is working within the framework of integration between government agencies to expand the services provided to this category, in addition to enhancing cooperation with private sector institutions to provide more exceptional facilities for them, pointing to the service of housing institutions, as the ministry provides comprehensive care for the elderly residing in the Muharraq Social Care Center, which includes living, social, health, psychological and recreational care according to the needs of each individual, in addition to the service of day institutions that care for the elderly during the day, to provide educational and rehabilitation activities and services to improve their quality of life, as these homes are managed by civil society institutions within the framework of effective community partnership. She explained that the shelter institutions follow up on the elderly and record social and psychological changes, enhance communication with the family and the outside community, and develop a daily program to provide living services, social and recreational activities, in addition to health care services, conducting medical examinations and necessary tests, providing treatment and nursing care according to the case, and physiotherapy services that begin with assessing the health condition and providing group and individual therapeutic exercises, supporting those unable to move through limb movement exercises, and providing an occupational therapy program that gives them the opportunity to practice manual work and hobbies, and rehabilitating them to perform some simple tasks to activate their motor skills, in addition to nutrition services and cultural and recreational programs. She indicated that the day care institutions for parents, licensed by the Ministry of Social Development, provide distinguished projects that aim to operate buildings or small housing units in the middle of residential neighborhoods to provide day care for the elderly. By 2024, the number of these institutions has reached 13 institutions distributed across all governorates of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and are managed by civil society organizations, in order to further activate their societal role towards this group. These institutions seek to support the provision of comprehensive care and develop appropriate rehabilitation programs for them, and enhance their integration into society, including in national and religious events, in addition to the programs and services provided, including, but not limited to, the social care program, which includes a range of services, including recording all changes that occur in their conditions to achieve the best adaptation with their families, training them in life skills, and maintaining contact with society by organizing visits and external tours, and providing living and social services, support care, and family guidance programs, in addition to psychological and behavioral care services and programs. Al-Awinati emphasized the role of legislation and policies in developing social work, as laws have been developed that raise the level of protection of their rights and ensure that they receive the best necessary care services. The national strategy for the elderly and its executive plan have also been updated, and the internal regulations of shelter institutions have been developed, in addition to paying attention to technology and applications, as lectures and seminars have been provided remotely, and various applications have been implemented to facilitate the provision of services through government platforms, and support student projects related to improving their quality of life. She added: There are efforts being made to prepare survey studies related to the elderly, as the Ministry conducts research studies in cooperation with academic institutions, with the aim of discussing ways to continue meeting their aspirations and needs, in addition to providing quality of life programs that seek to improve the quality of life, pointing to the service of benefiting from the experiences and capabilities of retired elderly, which aims to benefit from their experiences and specializations in various fields, through several programs and activities. Al-Awainati explained that the elderly are the beacon of inexhaustible giving, and the true symbol of perseverance, stressing the Ministry's keenness to enhance their involvement in society, benefit from their experiences, and deepen family and community ties to ensure their continued integration into daily life, in appreciation of their great role in transferring experiences and values to future generations, noting that this interest enhances the concept of social solidarity, and reflects the vision of the Kingdom of Bahrain towards achieving a cohesive and inclusive society for all.
In the presence of H.E. the Chairman of Shura Council and the Minister of Social Development .. Launching of the Mahfoodah Al Zayani Award for Humanitarian Work
29-09-2024
In the presence of H.E. Mr. Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, and H.E. Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, the Mahfoodah Al Zayani Award for Humanitarian Work was launched this morning, Sunday, with the participation of H.E. Sh. Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, members of the Al-Zayani family, and a number of community figures and invitees, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. During the speech delivered by the Minister of Social Development, H.E. praised the initiative to launch the award, in the name of Mrs. Mahfoudha Al Zayani, in honor of her career in volunteering fields for more than 70 years, which represents a model of giving, noting in this context that the award reflects the awareness of Al-Zayani family of the humanitarian and societal sense, especially since the award's objectives are consistent with the paths of sustainability of volunteer work, in addition to the award's contribution to consolidating purposeful partnerships, towards building projects and initiatives that serve the interests of society. H.E. explained that the journey of Mrs. Mahfoudha Al Zayani is full of giving and generosity, as she contributed effectively and competently to volunteer work in its social, charitable and humanitarian fields, and was and still is a role model and an example to follow in her pioneering approach, noting that she was able to leave a mark on the lives of individuals and families, and embodied in their lives the values of solidarity and mutual support, and was always by their side, extending a helping hand to them with generosity and sincerity. H.E. the Minister called on members of society and its institutions to continue this journey, and to closely monitor the impact of these humanitarian initiatives, so that it is possible to formulate purposeful plans to achieve the desired positive impact, stressing that the launch of the award is evidence of the vision of the Al-Zayani family, towards supporting excellence in social work in all its sectors, expressing H.E. hope that the award will contribute to inspiring future generations to follow in the footsteps of those who devoted their lives to serving society. For his part, Mr. Zayed Rashid Al Zayani, Chairman of Al- Zayani Investments, expressed his deep gratitude to H.E. the Minister and all members of the esteemed Ministry for their spirit of cooperation and guidance in launching this initiative, saying, "It is a source of pride and honor, based on its social responsibility initiative, that Al-Zayani Investments Group launches this award, which bears the name of someone dear to us all, who embodied the spirit of national work for more than 70 years, hoping that it will be a motivator for future generations." The Mahfouz Al Zayani Humanitarian Award seeks to provide opportunities to consolidate the values of humanitarian work, and motivate young people to engage in volunteering, in order to create a sustainable positive impact, by supporting projects that focus on humanitarian values within the framework of community partnership. The judging committee includes a number of members of the Al-Zayani family in addition to specialized members and experts in the field of charitable and humanitarian work, and will award cash prizes to the winners estimated at 40 thousand US dollars.