Latest news with #SocialDevelopment
Daily Tribune
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Teens Explore Future Careers at 'The Takeoff' Expo in Riffa
More than 120 high school students from across Bahrain took their first step toward building their future at 'The Takeoff' – a special career and university exhibition hosted by the AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation on Saturday. Held at the foundation's new headquarters in Riffa, the event welcomed students aged 16 to 18 to discover career paths, explore local university programs, and attend hands-on workshops – all designed to help them make confident decisions about their academic and professional futures. The event was held in the presence of Her Highness Shaikha Zayn bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Foundation's Board of Trustees. Also attending were the Minister of Social Development, Osama Al Asfoor, and the Southern Governor, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa. Foundation CEO Sabah Yousif Seyadi opened the event by welcoming guests and students, saying: 'This isn't just an exhibition – it's a launchpad for dreams. We want to help young people make informed, thoughtful choices as they plan their futures.' She stressed how important it is to prepare students for a fast-changing job market, noting that many of the jobs they will one day take don't even exist yet. 'That's why events like this matter – they give students the knowledge and confidence they need to move forward,' she said. Supported by the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), the exhibition featured three main areas: Assessment Zone – In partnership with Education Zone, students took personality and career interest tests to help them identify fields that fit their talents. University Zone – Eight Bahraini universities presented new academic programs and spoke directly with students about their options. Workshop Zone – Students attended interactive sessions on in-demand topics like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, architecture, and digital banking. One popular session was led by Mubasher Capital. Noura Shuraida from MKF Connect, the foundation's marketing partner, called the expo a milestone event: 'It was designed to be practical, inspiring, and informative – and from what we've heard from students, it delivered exactly that.' Many students said they appreciated the clear, friendly guidance and real-world insights. For some, it was their first time speaking directly with university representatives or professionals in fields they hope to join one day. As the day came to a close, students left with new ideas, clearer goals, and a renewed sense of excitement about the future. 'This event helped me feel more sure about what I want to study,' said one 17-year-old participant. 'It really opened my eyes to what's possible.' 'The Takeoff' marks the start of more youth-centered initiatives from the Foundation, all aimed at helping young Bahrainis take confident steps toward bright futures. .
Daily Tribune
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Iran Reopens Airspace After Ceasefire With Israel; Airlines Remain Cautious
More than 120 high school students from across Bahrain took their first step toward building their future at 'The Takeoff' – a special career and university exhibition hosted by the AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation on Saturday. Held at the foundation's new headquarters in Riffa, the event welcomed students aged 16 to 18 to discover career paths, explore local university programs, and attend hands-on workshops – all designed to help them make confident decisions about their academic and professional futures. The event was held in the presence of Her Highness Shaikha Zayn bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Foundation's Board of Trustees. Also attending were the Minister of Social Development, Osama Al Asfoor, and the Southern Governor, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa. Foundation CEO Sabah Yousif Seyadi opened the event by welcoming guests and students, saying: 'This isn't just an exhibition – it's a launchpad for dreams. We want to help young people make informed, thoughtful choices as they plan their futures.' She stressed how important it is to prepare students for a fast-changing job market, noting that many of the jobs they will one day take don't even exist yet. 'That's why events like this matter – they give students the knowledge and confidence they need to move forward,' she said. Supported by the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), the exhibition featured three main areas: Assessment Zone – In partnership with Education Zone, students took personality and career interest tests to help them identify fields that fit their talents. University Zone – Eight Bahraini universities presented new academic programs and spoke directly with students about their options. Workshop Zone – Students attended interactive sessions on in-demand topics like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, architecture, and digital banking. One popular session was led by Mubasher Capital. Noura Shuraida from MKF Connect, the foundation's marketing partner, called the expo a milestone event: 'It was designed to be practical, inspiring, and informative – and from what we've heard from students, it delivered exactly that.' Many students said they appreciated the clear, friendly guidance and real-world insights. For some, it was their first time speaking directly with university representatives or professionals in fields they hope to join one day. As the day came to a close, students left with new ideas, clearer goals, and a renewed sense of excitement about the future. 'This event helped me feel more sure about what I want to study,' said one 17-year-old participant. 'It really opened my eyes to what's possible.' 'The Takeoff' marks the start of more youth-centered initiatives from the Foundation, all aimed at helping young Bahrainis take confident steps toward bright futures.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain-Italy relations
His Excellency Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development, received H.E. Andrea Catalano, Italian Ambassador to Bahrain. The minister highlighted the deep bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Italian Republic, and its ongoing progress across various domains. He emphasised the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in social development. The ambassador expressed his appreciation to the minister for his efforts in enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman participates in Arab forum for equality
ALGIERS: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the Fourth Arab Forum for Equality "Dialogue and Solutions" 2025, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, represented Oman at the forum. This year's forum focused on discussing regional priorities to address inequality and social protection amid the crises facing the Arab region. It examined how social protection systems can reduce inequalities stemming from economic, environmental, humanitarian and political challenges, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development. During a panel discussion on "Financing Comprehensive Social Protection", Dr Al Najjar highlighted Oman's key national experiences and practices in this field, including the implementation of a social protection system to enhance financial and operational efficiency, diversify funding sources and provide direct cash benefits to the elderly, children, orphans, widows, persons with disabilities and low-income families. - ONA
News24
5 days ago
- Business
- News24
Treasury's Sassa corruption prevention steps come ‘at the cost of humanity'
Parliamentarians have been inundated with frantic messages from social grant beneficiaries who cannot verify their grant status – a new requirement imposed by National Treasury to root out corruption. The corruption-busting steps imposed on the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) have a negative impact on many grant recipients, most of whom are elderly citizens living in rural areas. Of significant concern is the in-person verification process of recipients. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development Bridget Masango said the Treasury has attached strict new conditions to the allocation of funds to Sassa. 'National Treasury has attached strict new conditions to the allocation of funds to Sassa. These include quarterly reporting on suspended, cancelled or reviewed grants, income verification, including database cross-checks with the SA Revenue Services, National Student Financial Aid Scheme, the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Home Affairs as well as biometric authentication for beneficiaries flagged as suspicious. 'Treasury argues these steps are essential to combat fraud and ensure value for money and failure to comply by Sassa may result in grant funding being withheld, a deeply concerning possibility for millions who rely on this support,' Masango said. She said the concern is not because they oppose fraud prevention, but because the current implementation is causing delays, confusion and deep distress among beneficiaries. Masango said: 'The requirement for in-person verification is disproportionately impacting rural communities and elderly caregivers who simply cannot afford to travel. Transport costs can reach up to R150 or more, an unaffordable amount for some beneficiaries. 'We are being flooded with WhatsApp messages, SMSs, and emails from desperate individuals who are unable to verify themselves. People are being excluded from the system and all of this in the name of saving money. Sassa has defended the verification process as necessary,' Masango said. Furthermore, Masango said, Sassa argues the requirements prevent fraud and ensures 'accurate targeting'. 'They have reminded beneficiaries of their duty to report changes in financial circumstances. That may be valid, but it must be balanced with accessibility and fairness. To ensure accountability, Sassa will now submit quarterly reports directly to the parliamentary committee, in addition to National Treasury. This will allow Parliament to play a proactive oversight role, especially after lessons learned during the card replacement crisis,' she said. According to Masango, no cost-saving measure should come at the expense of basic dignity or leave the poor out in the cold. 'The committee acknowledges the R1.6 billion increase in the 2025/26 grant allocation, intended to fund above-inflation increases. We also note Sassa's intensifying efforts to fight fraud, such as the rollout of biometric systems, a new tender to assist with identity verification and digital upgrades, including office WiFi, self-service kiosks, and action against fake Sassa websites. We are of the view, National Treasury must balance fiscal prudence with social justice,' Masango said. READ | Second income trouble: SASSA identifies 210 000 possible 'double-dippers' She also said the social grant system is not just a financial mechanism, but a lifeline for many poor families. 'Let us not forget the people behind the statistics, the grandmother raising orphans, the young person living with a disability, the unemployed breadwinner trying to survive. We must protect the integrity of the system, yes, but never at the cost of humanity,' she said. Meanwhile, Masango also expressed deep concern at South Africa's drug and substance abuse problem. 'Our children are drinking liquor. Our schools are not safe. Our rural communities are forgotten. Institutions such as the Central Drug Authority (CDA), meant to fight this crisis are underfunded and unsupported. 'It is thus gravely concerning to the committee that the CDA remains dependent on the Department of Social Development for finances, undermining its ability to operate independently across government,' she said.
