Arabic-English Dual Language Program Grows at American School of Bahrain

26-02-2025

The American School of Bahrain (ASB) has announced the expansion of Muzdawaj, its dual-language early childhood program to include KG1 and KG2 for the coming academic year 2025-26. Following the success of its introduction to Pre-KG students last year, the program will continue to grow by adding a grade each subsequent year, with plans to extend into Grades 1 and 2 in the future. Muzdawaj, meaning 'dual' in Arabic, immerses students in Arabic and English through a co-teaching model that fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. The program equips students to communicate fluently in both languages through fun and interactive activities, laying the foundation for strong bilingual proficiency. Students in the Muzdawaj program also engage in culturally enriching experiences, including traditional music, storytelling, and hands-on activities, which enhance their understanding and respect for the Bahraini culture. The program's teaching team combines cultural immersion with foundational language skills, creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment. 'The cognitive benefits of the dual language program are far-reaching and provide children with intellectual advantages that extend well beyond language proficiency,' said Ms. Casey Bucheler, the school's Early Childhood Principal. 'It enhances cognitive flexibility, sharpens problem-solving abilities, strengthens memory, and bolsters executive function, laying a robust foundation for lifelong intellectual growth.' Dr. Nour Abuateyh, Head of Arabic Language and Culture at ASB, added, 'Our goal with the Muzdawaj program is to deliver a 360-degree educational journey. We immerse students in both Arabic and English, ensuring they gain linguistic skills and a profound appreciation for cultural nuances, traditions, and the rich heritage of Bahrain. This approach enables our students to thrive in a globalized world while staying deeply connected to our Bahraini cultural roots.' ASB's Early Childhood Education curriculum follows the Ontario Kindergarten Program up to KG1, and AERO Common Core Standards for Math and English, as well as the NGSS standards for Science for KG2. The same AERO and NGSS standards are followed in Elementary, ensuring a seamless academic transition and excellence. With the expansion of the Muzdawaj program, ASB reaffirms its commitment to bilingual education, cultural enrichment, and preparing students to succeed in a multilingual and multicultural world.
For more information about the American School of Bahrain and its Muzdawaj program, please visit www.asb.bh.

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Gulf Weekly

2 days ago

Gulf Weekly

Tale of human connections

The English translation of former Bahrain-resident and author Millat Ahmad's novel has hit the shelves, and offers a poignant portrayal of migrant life abroad, writes Melissa Nazareth. Indian expatriate and second-year student at Catholic Junior College, Singapore, Alief Ahmad, collaborated with his father Millat, who wrote the novel Singapooril Saravanan in 2020 in Tamil. The new book entitled Three Hearts, One Sorrow brings alive culture, history and human emotion and is set against the Little India riot, which took place on December 8, 2013, following an accident that killed an Indian worker. 'While the novel is purely a work of fiction, it's inspired by true events,' 53-year-old Millat, who is also known for his filmmaking, told GulfWeekly. 'The initial inspiration for this story came to me while I was in Bahrain as I witnessed first-hand the incredible social work of individuals in the kingdom, who dedicate their own money and efforts to help repatriate the bodies of deceased Indian workers to their families back home,' he added. The novel captures the emotional journey of Saravanan's friends, as they navigate the complex process of repatriating his body to his homeland, after he dies amidst the unrest. Millat masterfully weaves together the life stories of three individuals, presenting the narrative from multiple perspectives: through the eyes of a character, as a narrator, and via a diary. This multi-faceted approach offers a deeply emotional and nuanced exploration of foreign workers' lives, exposing the harsh realities of agent exploitation and painstakingly detailing the procedures and certifications required to bring a deceased body back to India. 'My son suggested that translating the novel into English would help it to reach a wider audience, especially those who don't read Tamil,' said the former video shop owner who used to live on Zubarah Avenue in Bahrain. 'While still an O-Level student at St Patrick's School, he eagerly volunteered for the task, diligently working on the translation during his breaks from studies. He completed the project during his school holiday. 'The publication of Three Hearts, One Sorrow coincides with Singapore's 60th Diamond Jubilee this year,' Millat added.

‘Review Shrimp Trawling Ban' : Expert urges Gulf nations to reexamine restrictions based on ‘questionable' data evidence

Daily Tribune

6 days ago

Daily Tribune

‘Review Shrimp Trawling Ban' : Expert urges Gulf nations to reexamine restrictions based on ‘questionable' data evidence

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AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation Launches Series of Summer Programs

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.