AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation Introduces 'Ithra Buds' Youth Development Program for Children Aged 10-12
For more information on 'Ithra Buds' or any of the youth development programmes offered by AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, please call on 17499909, email [email protected], visit www.mkfbh.org, or follow the MKF's official social media accounts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
20-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
‘Review Shrimp Trawling Ban' : Expert urges Gulf nations to reexamine restrictions based on ‘questionable' data evidence
Flawed data used to justify the Gulf shrimp trawling ban should be urgently reassessed, according to fisheries consultant Dr. Ibrahim Abdulqader. Speaking at Bahrain's Professional Fishermen Society yesterday, Abdulqader argued that evidence against shrimp trawling—used to support prohibitions introduced by Bahrain in 2018 and Kuwait four years later—failed to match up with reality. The fishing consultant presented decades-worth of figures from Bahraini and Saudi waters, challenging the often-cited claim that shrimp nets led to a 90 per cent drop in local fish stocks. Rather, his evidence suggested far smaller impacts, with only minor numbers of commercially valuable fish ending up as unintended catch. Shrimp fishing in the Gulf took off in 1959 with Kuwaiti vessels, and the Bahraini fleet joined the boom in 1967. Profits Catches surged, generating profits from markets in the United States and Japan, sparking factory openings along the coast. Yet unregulated fishing throughout the year gradually reduced yields, causing the collapse of industrial-scale shrimp fishing by the late 1970s. Nevertheless, trawling carried on through smaller local vessels, maintaining productivity over the following decades. Abdulqader cited recent field studies from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia showing minimal disruption to targeted fish species. Only one commercially valuable fish, the Imsalagh, accounted for less than one per cent of Bahrain's shrimp-related bycatch. Species In Saudi waters, three species— Imsalagh, Safi, and Shaari —made up around 20 per cent. Far from a catastrophic ecological impact, these numbers indicated a much more limited influence on marine life. Historical catch records backed up Abdulqader's claims. Rather than sustained declines in key species, catches of Badh, Safi, and Shaari fluctuated over the years, suggesting they were influenced primarily by direct fishing practices rather than accidental catches by shrimp trawlers. Harm Even crab catches, which rose after shrimp fishing became common, showed little sign of harm linked to shrimp nets. Abdulqader also pointed out unintended consequences of the shrimp ban. Fishermen have reported no noticeable recovery in fish stocks since restrictions came into force. Instead, illegal fishing has reportedly increased, driven partly by official shrimp seasons, which remain publicised despite gear restrictions. Benefits This contradiction fuels underground fishing and undermines the ban's intended environmental benefits. He recommended lifting the current restrictions to allow for a controlled and modern shrimp fishing industry under improved environmental guidelines. Alternatively, Abdulqader suggested that authorities abandon public shrimp-season announcements altogether and strengthen enforcement against unlawful trawling.
Daily Tribune
17-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Ithra tracks signal shift in Youth Policy
TDT | Manama A quiet revolution is taking shape in Bahrain's youth education scene - and it begins at age 15. The AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation has introduced a new age track in its flagship Ithra programme, targeting 15- to 16-year-olds with structured, skills-based learning designed to bridge adolescence and early adulthood. While the announcement may seem like another summer launch, the implications go much deeper - Bahrain is gradually rewriting how it prepares its young people for the future, one age group at a time. Shifting the model Titled 'Ithra Youth', the new segment is part of a broader progression model now embedded in MKF's summer programming. Starting with 'Ithra Buds' (ages 10–12), which develops essential life skills through playful learning, and continuing through 'Ithra Juniors' (ages 13–14), which introduces scientific foundations and hands-on activities, the new Youth track completes a pipeline that follows a child's developmental arc. With over 30 participants per season in each track, the curriculum is far from textbook-based. Field visits, practical workshops, creative arts, thematic challenges and sports are all part of the mix - each tailored to the cognitive and emotional needs of the specific age group. Designing the future This approach, rooted in experiential learning and continuous self-assessment, reflects a deeper institutional shift. Rather than treat youth development as a broad-brush activity, MKF is building an infrastructure of age-relevant interventions. It signals a move from generalised summer engagement to a layered system where each year of adolescence is mapped to a meaningful learning experience. Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, affirmed this direction, noting that the Foundation's investment in young people reflects a belief in their capacity to lead, grow and shape society. 'This programme is about more than summer,' she said. 'It's about building readiness, resilience, and a sense of purpose - starting early and evolving with each year.' Nation-building through youth Since its establishment in 2011, MKF has focused on education as its primary social mandate. But the 2025 edition of the Ithra initiative marks a notable pivot - one that aligns more closely with national ambitions under Bahrain Vision 2030. By recognising that a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old need fundamentally different tools to succeed, the Foundation is challenging others in the sector to rethink how youth engagement is designed. What may appear at first glance as a seasonal programme launch is, in reality, part of a much more strategic reimagining of Bahrain's youth ecosystem.
Biz Bahrain
17-07-2025
- Biz Bahrain
AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation Launches Series of Summer Programs
AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF) has launched its line-up of youth-focused summer programs under the Ithra initiative for 2025. These programs include Ithra Youth, Ithra Juniors, and Ithra Buds, delivering an enriching experience to a broad spectrum of age groups. As a key enhancement, MKF has introduced a new age segment to the Ithra program, targeting participants aged 15 to 16. Called Ithra Youth, this initiative is designed to cultivate advanced skill sets, promote experiential learning, and equip participants with the tools they need to navigate the next stages of their academic and personal growth. Notably, graduates of the program can continue their development through age-appropriate tracks in subsequent years. In parallel, the Foundation continues to provide its flagship training programs for younger age groups. Ithra Buds, designed for children aged 10 to 12, focuses on essential life skills delivered through playful and engaging learning journeys. Meanwhile, Ithra Juniors, tailored for ages 13 to 14, provides foundational scientific knowledge and hands-on experiences that help students contribute meaningfully to their communities. Each track accommodates over 30 participants per season. The Ithra curriculum is meticulously developed based on comprehensive assessments of participants' needs and ongoing self-evaluation processes. Sessions are led by qualified professionals and are rooted in interactive and experiential learning methodologies. With practical workshops, field visits, thematic challenges, training camps, sports activities, and creative arts, every module of the program is curated to spark curiosity and inspire personal development in a supportive and engaging environment. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 Ithra summer series, Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, expressed her pride in the continued evolution of the program. Her Highness highlighted the Foundation's mission to empower Bahrain's youth to explore their potential through meaningful and interactive experiences. She affirmed that the program reflects a deep-rooted belief in the capabilities of young people and reiterates MKF's commitment to investing in the next generation by shaping engaged, confident, and future-ready individuals. AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation was established in 2011 as a non-profit organization registered and licensed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development in the Kingdom. The Foundation strives to create a positive social impact in education and empower Bahraini youth to reach their full potential through learning opportunities that equip them with the knowledge, skills and practical experience that benefit both the individual and the nation. For more information about any of MKF's youth programs, please contact the Foundation on +973 17499909, email: [email protected] , or visit the official website at You can also follow MKF on its official social media platforms.
