News
The Minister of Social Development receives a copy of the doctoral dissertation from the researcher Tarada
21-02-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received researcher Dr. Mahmoud Rashid Tarada, who gave His Excellency a copy of his academic thesis entitled "A Proposed Curriculum in Physics in Light of the Professional Requirements of the Twenty-First Century to Develop Technological Enlightenment and Critical Thinking among Technical and Vocational Education Students in the Kingdom of Bahrain". Minister Al-Asfour praised the efforts of the researcher in the academic field, and his role in shedding light on one of the important sciences, and the statistics and data it contained that will contribute towards the development of the technological and knowledge dimension, stressing the importance of the qualitative academic message that enriches national libraries and universities.
he Minister of Social Development praises the success of the discussion of the fourth national report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
17-02-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, affirmed the pivotal role of Bahraini women's contributions towards the renaissance of society, praising the great interest and support that women receive in light of the comprehensive development march led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Kingdom of Bahrain, and the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which constituted a basic pillar for all development and renaissance projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain at all levels. At the same time, the Minister of Social Development appreciated the contributions of the Supreme Council for Women, headed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the country's King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, may God protect her, and the efforts of the National Council to enhance the status of women and preserve their rights, which won the session devoted to discussing the fourth national report of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women "CEDAW", success and distinction, during his attendance of the video meeting with the United Nations "CEDAW" Committee. Minister Al-Asfoor also praised the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to continue the constructive dialogue with the (CEDAW) Committee, and to move forward in fulfilling its international obligations, especially in terms of following up on the implementation of strategies for the advancement of Bahraini women, in line with their priorities and national specificity, as well as supporting laws and projects for Bahraini women that clearly reflect the Kingdom's positive agreement with various issues that support women, take into account their needs and enhance their gains, being an active and influential partner in the process of national construction and development. The Minister of Social Development appreciated the distinguished visual presentation of the delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain, headed by Ms. Hala Mohammed Jaber Al-Ansari, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Women, before the CEDAW Committee, especially the issues related to the competencies of the Ministry of Social Development to consolidate various aspects of community security, in a way that supports development and prosperity efforts, and the sustainability of measures and services of the social protection system, and the law of correctional justice for children and their protection from abuse, as well as the regulatory decisions to engage in self-employment, which was reflected in facts and indicators of women's achievements at various economic and social levels. Minister Al-Asfoor also affirmed the ministry's continuation of strengthening aspects of cooperation with the Supreme Council for Women in a way that contributes to showing the national efforts made towards the sustainability of Bahraini women's progress, raising their competitiveness as an equal and indispensable partner in the national development process, and highlighting the experience of the Kingdom of Bahrain in terms of integrating women's needs and achieving equal opportunities, praising the advanced level of effective partnership with the Supreme Council for Women and other relevant authorities.
Closing the Registration for the award of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa to encourage productive families
16-02-2023
The Ministry of Social Development announced the end of the nomination stage for the award of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa to encourage productive families for the current year in its 16th edition at the local level, which lasted for nearly six weeks, after receiving many participants wishing to compete for the honor of the three categories of the award as the best productive family, the best producer, and the best sponsor and supporter of productive families. In this regard, the Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development at the Ministry of Social Development, Ms. Enas Mohammed Al-Majed, said that the progression stage for the competition for the award of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa to encourage productive families witnessed a great turnout from various individuals and productive families registered in the Step Project for Home Projects, noting that the increase in participation in the award this year confirms its importance in highlighting and supporting Bahraini productive families, as well as the desire of the participants to showcase their qualitative and pioneering products that characterize these families, and the extent of development This happened to its products, through its keenness to join the centers of excellence and innovation in the Capital Complex for Bahraini Hand Products affiliated to the Ministry. She explained that the Capital Complex for Bahraini Hand Products received large numbers of participants in the award by individuals and productive families, which included various hand products, in addition to food products, where a small committee was allocated to receive, sort and classify the participation forms according to the three categories of the award, which fall under the category of the best productive family, the best product and the best supporter. Al-Majed indicated that the majority of applications were accepted, while a limited number of applications were excluded for technical reasons or that did not comply with the previously announced award criteria, which guarantees strong competition among Bahraini productive families, stressing the keenness of the Ministry of Social Development to continue the award, which contributes to the refinement and brilliance of the Bahraini product in a remarkable way, noting that all Bahraini productive families are considered winners even before announcing the results, given that they will go through the experience of candidacy with professionally manufactured products to keep pace with the level of the award in its moral and material content. And she indicated that the arbitration committee has started its meetings to evaluate the entries, and choose the best according to accurate technical and monetary criteria, in preparation for the stage of announcing the winners during the award ceremony that is expected to be held under the auspices of Her Royal Highness, the wife of His Majesty the King, President of the Supreme Council for Women, may God protect her, on the first of next March, noting that the arbitration committee includes experts from the Ministry and outside it, including technicians, academics and social workers, so that it takes into account that the product is designed and produced by the productive family, and that it is characterized by creativity, development and quality, and with regard to better selection criteria. Supportive of productive families, as it is determined by the type of support and care provided to families, the duration of this care, the extent of its continuity, and the methods used to improve the productive families project, which results in achieving the goals of comprehensive development.
During the inauguration of Al-Matrouk Center for Counseling Rehabilitation.. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development confirms continuing to enhance the level of services provided to disab
13-02-2023
Mrs. Sahar Rashid Al-Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, affirmed the Ministry's keenness to integrate students with determination in centers that provide rehabilitation, academic and vocational services in a way that contributes to their involvement in community activities, and enables them to carry out the tasks and roles that their peers from the community carry out, in a way that achieves their actual integration in the social process, noting that the care centers affiliated with the Ministry provide various services to all groups that they visit, especially since the employees are doing their best to provide various aspects of rehabilitation services. This came during a reception for Al-Matrouk Center for Counseling Rehabilitation, the children registered in the center, as it provides day care services through academic rehabilitation, psychological and social assessment, counseling rehabilitation, and physiotherapy, for children from the age group of 3 years to 18 years, since its opening in 2008. She also reviewed the services and programs provided to children with determination, in addition to inspecting the center's facilities to check on the progress of work, pointing out in this regard that the Al Matrook Rehabilitation Center is one of the specialized government centers that embraces children with determination, and provides educational programs of an advanced level at the hands of specialized Bahraini cadres, praising the efforts of those in charge of the center and at the general level and the various programs.
The Minister of Social Development meets the President and members of the Bahrain Transparency Society
11-02-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Transparency Society, received Dr. Hussein Al-Rubaie, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors. During the meeting, ways to enhance joint cooperation between the Ministry and the Society in various common fields were discussed, as well as the most prominent projects of the Society aimed at spreading societal values and principles. In this context, Minister Al-Asfour praised the educational and awareness-raising efforts of the association, pointing to the importance of strengthening community partnership with various parties related to the objectives and programs of the association.
The Minister of Social Development discussed the development projects of Janabiya Association
11-02-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, received His Excellency Mr. Munir Sorour, Member of Parliament, in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Janabiya Charitable Society, Mr. Tariq Abdul Shahid Al-Ghasra, and a number of members of the Board of Directors. During the meeting, the charity's programs and projects and its development efforts in various social fields were reviewed, in addition to discussing the challenges it faces and preventing the achievement of its institutional goals.
The Minister of Social Development meets a number of NGOs
10-02-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, affirmed the Ministry's keenness to support the efforts of charitable and civil societies, due to their prominent and distinguished role in serving citizens and meeting their needs, in addition to facilitating the charitable work of civil societies in accordance with the laws and regulations followed in this field. This came during his meeting with a number of heads and members of the boards of directors of civil society organizations supervised by the Ministry, where aspects of joint cooperation between the Ministry of Social Development and NGOs were discussed.
The Minister of Social Development praises the efforts of civil organizations and their contributions to community service
10-02-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, praised the role played by civil society organizations and their contributions in the social, humanitarian and charitable fields, stressing the importance of promoting a culture of volunteer work at various private and civil levels. Minister Al-Asfoor discussed with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Transport and Communications Society, Mr. Ahmed Dhaif, and in the presence of a number of members of the Society, ways to facilitate procedures that would contribute to strengthening the role of civil society organizations and improving their performance according to their institutional system. For their part, the President and members of the Bahrain Transport and Communications Society praised the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development to facilitate developmental and social work in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is provided by civil organizations to various segments and groups of society.
The Minister of Social Development appreciates the royal directives to provide urgent humanitarian relief aid to brotherly and friendly countries affected by the earthquake
09-02-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, valued the royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to provide urgent humanitarian relief aid to brotherly and friendly countries affected by the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, which left many victims and caused great damage to infrastructure and facilities, pointing out that this royal directive confirms the noble humanitarian character and the civilized face of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has established its position in adopting and providing programs and services. Relief projects and official development assistance during the past years. In this context, the Minister of Social Development also praised the humanitarian initiative to open the door for donations and contributions to the national campaign to support the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, under the supervision of the Royal Foundation for Humanitarian Work, which enjoys great support from the government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and which was announced by His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, in implementation of the royal directives. Al-Asfoor stressed that the Ministry of Social Development was keen to implement the royal directives, and directly initiated civil society organizations licensed to donate for the purpose of aiding and relief the needy, afflicted and affected, through the official accounts of the campaign, in coordination with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, to find out the humanitarian repercussions and strengthen and intensify relief efforts to meet the needs of brothers in Syria and Turkey, in support of the national efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to alleviate the suffering of the victims, and based on the firm approach of standing with the victims of natural disasters in the world. The Minister of Social Development noted that the provision of humanitarian and development assistance to the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people is usually rooted in the Kingdom's approach, which continues its unremitting efforts to provide relief and assistance to various afflicted peoples, who are subjected to crises and difficult humanitarian conditions, from a humanitarian standpoint, which reflects its moral and value commitment towards all peoples.
The Minister of Social Development meets with the President and members of the Capital Municipality Council
07-02-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, Minister of Social Development, received HE Eng. Saleh Taher Tarada, Chairman of the Capital Municipality Council, in the presence of a number of council members. During the meeting, aspects of joint cooperation between the Ministry of Social Development and the Capital Municipality Council were discussed, in a way that contributes to the advancement of social and developmental fields in Bahraini society. For his part, the Minister of Social Development stressed the importance of supporting initiatives that support government efforts in order to achieve the public good by implementing more projects and programs aimed at serving the individual and society.
Minister Al-Asfoor looks at the sensory garden at Alia Rehabilitation Center
04-02-2023
His Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, stressed the importance of advancing the humanitarian and voluntary mission undertaken by civil society organizations in general, and those related to the category of people with disabilities in particular, to enhance the development and social process in accordance with the principles of cooperation and giving, especially as it is supportive of government efforts aimed at improving the level of services provided to children with disabilities. During his visit to the Alia Rehabilitation Center, Minister Al-Asfoor praised the efforts of the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioral and Communication Difficulties, headed by Dr. Shaikha Rania bint Ali Al Khalifa, pointing out that the Society is one of the leading national institutions concerned with childhood and children with difficulties, and implements qualitative projects and programs in order to integrate community partnership between the various official, private and civil bodies, praising in this context the facilities of the Alia Early Intervention Center to care for young people who suffer from behavioral and communication difficulties. During the visit, a sensory garden was also viewed, which was designed to strengthen the senses of people with disabilities, and meet their psychological and social needs, pointing out that qualitative initiatives are considered an added value to the common government goals by benefiting from the diverse capabilities and skills of the partners in the sustainable development process.
Minister Al-Asfoor praises the efforts of the Observatory for Human Rights
03-02-2023
His Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, received the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al-Marsad Society for Human Rights, Mr. Mohsen Ali Al-Ghurairy, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors. During the meeting, the projects and initiatives of the association in the field of law and volunteer work were reviewed, and the objectives that the association seeks to achieve, aiming at preparing and training national cadres specialized in this field, in addition to spreading the culture of human rights and consolidating the values of democracy and citizenship. For his part, the Minister of Social Development praised the association's efforts to inculcate the concepts of human rights, and its programs that it implements in accordance with the principles of community partnership between the various official and private sectors.
The Ministry of Social Development participates in Bahrain Sports Day
02-02-2023
Based on the decision of the Council of Ministers headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, regarding the celebration of Bahrain Sports Day, to dedicate the role of sport as a societal culture, the Ministry of Social Development, with the participation of His Excellency the Minister, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, organized a number of activities and various sports programs, in the water park and its affiliated centers, in order to provide an opportunity for all its affiliates to participate in the annual Sports Day programmes. On this occasion, Minister Al-Asfoor appreciated the directives of His Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to allocate half a working day, February 2, for sports activity, in celebration of Bahrain Sports Day, to allow employees to participate in sporting events, stressing that these directives are an embodiment of the sports, health and social goals that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain seeks to promote among state employees, noting the Ministry's keenness to participate in this day, which has become a prominent national event. In this context, he praised the efforts of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Sports Day, led by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Vice President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the Public Authority for Sports, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, to implement programs and strategies to support the sports sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in a way that contributes to the promotion of the health aspects of society. Officials and employees of the Ministry and employees of its affiliated centers in various governorates participated in the events and activities of the walking marathon, competitions, various sports games, free medical examinations and awareness lectures.
The Minister of Social Development stresses the importance of creativity in volunteer work
31-01-2023
His Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, congratulated the president and members of the “Sawt Al-Alibi” organization, for honoring her among a number of volunteer organizations, at the award ceremony for humanitarian and charitable work recently organized by the Tree of Life Charity and Social Association, stressing the importance of continuing excellence and creativity in volunteer work.
During his sponsorship of the theatrical show.. Minister of Social Development: The Kingdom of Bahrain pays great attention to disabled
31-01-2023
Under the auspices of His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, Al-Bairaq Theater Team for People of Determination affiliated to the National Foundation for Services for the Disabled presented a theatrical performance entitled "Kashta", in the presence of His Excellency the Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Zainab Al-Awainati, and a number of members of the House of Representatives, heads of centers of private and civil institutions and related community events, in the Cultural Hall in Manama. On this occasion, the Minister of Social Development affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain pays great attention to advancing the category of people of determination, preserving their rights to ensure comprehensive protection for them and enjoying full equality with their peers in society, as an embodiment of the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of Kingdom of Bahrain, and with the close follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The minister also praised the performance of the artists in the Al-Bairaq theater team for people of determination, and the role played by the National Foundation for Services for the Disabled in caring for the children of artists of this category, and working to find creative theatrical energies that deserve praise and attention. Arts. The Kingdom of Bahrain won three awards at the Sixth Gulf Theater Festival for Persons with Disabilities, which was hosted by the Saudi capital, Riyadh, during December 2022, with the participation of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
With the participation of the Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Ministry of Social Development, the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs concludes its work with recomme
31-01-2023
The Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Ministry of Social Development, participated in the work of the forty-second session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, which was held in the capital of the State of Qatar, Doha, under the title "Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Multidimensional Poverty: Continue to Implement the Sustainable Development Plan 2030 and Beyond", with the participation of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, ministers of social affairs, a number of senior officials in the fields of social development, and heads of social bodies in Arab countries. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, Ms. Sahar Rashid Al-Mannai, stated that the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs issued, at the end of the 42nd session, a number of important decisions that represent a priority for joint Arab social development work, foremost of which is the continuation of the implementation of the 2030 sustainable development plan, especially in its social dimensions that affect the life of the Arab citizen, in addition to issues that concern vulnerable groups in society, especially people with disabilities, and ways to increase their integration in all fields of public life, as well as issues related to efforts to eradicate poverty in its various dimensions, which will raise its outputs. to the next Arab summit. The recommendations also included strengthening work to monitor and evaluate the various services provided to persons with disabilities through the exchange of experiences and successful experiences aimed at their inclusion. The statement added recommendations to work on implementing new surveys on the social dimensions of the 2030 sustainable development plan, including surveys related to persons with disabilities, poverty in its various dimensions, and the adoption of the Arab Classification of Disabilities project and considering it as part of the Second Arab Decade for Persons with Disabilities, in addition to updating the Arabic Sign Dictionary for the Deaf Language. The recommendations also called for strengthening the efforts of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to organize the work of the World Disability Summit 2025, and to continue efforts to recover from the current crises in a manner that takes into account the environment by designing green solutions as part of a new network for social safety in the Arab region and the world, as well as supporting the implementation of the Arab strategy to promote volunteering.
The Minister of Social Development meets the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Muharraq Charity Association
27-01-2023
His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, received Mr. Salah Muhammad Bu Hassan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Muharraq Charitable Society, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors. Minister Al-Asfoor stressed the importance of strengthening efforts based on the principles of community partnership to advance development projects, and stimulate the work of civil organizations to implement pioneering and effective ideas in society, stressing the Ministry's support for all civil society institutions, in accordance with the provisions and legal procedures for civil organizations in Bahrain. During the meeting, the association's fields and services in development and social projects and activities were reviewed, and the most important initiatives and activities it implemented within the framework of community service were reviewed. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of the Muharraq Charitable Society praised the efforts made by the Ministry of Social Development to enhance its development services in the areas of social care, charitable and voluntary work, stressing at the same time the importance of community partnership to support development projects and their sustainability to serve all segments and groups of society.
Minister Al-Asfoor confirms the support of charitable funds to achieve development goals
27-01-2023
His Excellency the Minister of Social Development, Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, praised the continuous humanitarian effort undertaken by the charitable funds, calling for the continuation of providing development services, in order to achieve the principles of community partnership and complement the role played by the official authorities in community development, stressing at the same time supporting and encouraging the activities of civil organizations registered under the umbrella of the Ministry of Social Development, because of their prominent role in community service. This came during his meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sar Charity Fund, Mr. Alawi Sharaf, in the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, in his office in Manama. He also praised the efforts of various civil society organizations for the tangible services and distinguished initiatives they provide to meet the needs of all segments of Bahraini society, which gives rise to pride and keenness to continue supporting these efforts.
On the sidelines of participation in the preparatory meeting for the 42nd session in Qatar.. Al-Awainati: Discussing the best ways to advance social development in the Arab world
25-01-2023
Mrs. Zainab Al-Awainati, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Social Development, participated in the preparatory meeting for the work of the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs hosted by the State of Qatar, to discuss a number of important files that represent a priority for joint Arab social development work. On this occasion, the Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation affirmed that the preparatory meeting comes as a reinforcement of the continuation of joint cooperation and coordination efforts in order to discuss the best ways to advance social development in the Arab world, in a manner that serves social and development issues, as well as the transfer of experiences and knowledge between the Ministry and its counterparts in the Arab countries, to benefit from distinguished experiences in the fields of protection and social care. Al-Awainati explained that the meeting's agenda included many important files, most notably those related to people of determination, and ways to increase their integration in all areas of public life, as well as topics related to efforts to eradicate poverty in all its dimensions, noting that the meeting's agenda will be formulated into effective policies and recommendations, projects and decisions, which will be submitted to Their Excellencies and Excellencies the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs at their meeting during the current session.
The Ministers of (Works) and (Social Development) inspect the Budaiya Social Center project
25-01-2023
Manama, Jan. 25 (BNA): His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim bin Hassan Al-Hawaj, Minister of Public Works, and HE Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, paid an inspection visit to the Budaiya Social Center project, accompanied by a number of officials from the two ministries, to follow up on the implementation work of the project in preparation for handing it over to the Ministry of Social Development. On this occasion, the Minister of Works stated that the Kingdom of Bahrain attaches great importance to projects in all fields, in accordance with the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Kingdom of Bahrain, and the directives of the esteemed government headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Minister of Works said that the Ministry provides support to all ministries and government agencies to implement their plans and programmes, within the framework of continuous interest in the various service projects that the Ministry designs and supervises their implementation, indicating that the Budaiya Social Center project was designed and implemented according to the requirements of the Ministry of Development and in a way that serves its goals that are based on achieving community partnership with various civil society institutions and the private sector. Engineer Al-Hawaj indicated that the Budaiya Social Center building is being designed on a building area of (3,783) square meters and a land area of (5,227) square meters, as the building consists of three floors and includes a main hall that can accommodate 200 people. M- Welfare and social development services, in order to raise the level of developmental support provided to all groups and ensure facilitating their access to these services. On this occasion, the Minister of Social Development affirmed that the Ministry is closely following the pace of implementation of development and social initiatives and projects, in accordance with the priorities, goals and axes of the government's program, to consolidate community security in a way that supports development and prosperity efforts, in cooperation and coordination with the various relevant official authorities. Minister Al-Asfoor said that the implementation of the Alba Social Center project, in coordination with the Ministry of Works, reflects the level of cooperation and integration between government institutions within one team, and comes in response to the needs of the villages located in the Northern Governorate, especially the villages of Diraz, Bani Jamra, Budaiya, Saar, Karana, Abu Saiba, Al-Markh, Al-Shakhura, Sadad and Al-Qadam. The Minister of Social Development thanked all the partners and supporters of this development project, in particular the Aluminum Bahrain Company "Alba" for its donation to finance the largest part of the center's cost, based on social responsibility, as the center aims to spread cultural and educational awareness in areas that affect the lives of citizens, as well as rehabilitation and economic and social empowerment for individuals and families with limited income, which contributes to the establishment of their own projects, in addition to providing social assistance, family guidance, and nearly 20 specific programs and workshops. In the areas of family, children and youth development, and other joint programs with civil society institutions, in order to achieve the principle of community partnership.