Lifelong Learning Access Policy
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ASU-Strategic-Plan-Final.pdf
The policy for lifelong learning under SDG 4 is central to the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy of Applied Science University in Bahrain. The strategy focuses on enabling student achievement through the development of intellectual and personal autonomy, as well as responsibility for their own learning and the enhancement of lifelong learning skills. This is achieved through all programs, including effective work-based learning opportunities such as internship courses, which enhance workplace skills and values for learners from all backgrounds. Additionally, the strategy incorporates various initiatives to develop learners’ interest and skills in lifelong learning and to structure their learning goals. These include teaching methods that instill lifelong learning and enable learners to set their own learning objectives, exposure to new technologies, scientific events, and self-learning tools, and planned extracurricular activities such as site visits, exhibitions, and participation in competitions. Furthermore, peer learning is also encouraged, where learners have the opportunity to teach and learn from each other. Through these initiatives, Applied Science University is committed to promoting lifelong learning and supporting the achievement of SDG 4, ensuring that learners from all backgrounds have access to quality education and opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge they need for personal and professional growth. Some of the policies and strategies relevant to Lifelong learning are Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy, Student Internship Policy, Equality and Diversity Policy, Policy for Students with Special Needs.
The Equality and Diversity Policy outlines the University’s commitment to creating an environment where differences are valued, and equal opportunities are available to all staff, students, and stakeholders. The policy defines certain actions that impact the consistent application of equality and diversity, which are not permissible and may also be considered unlawful. These are termed “Types of Discrimination.”
The policy also identifies ‘protected characteristics,’ which are certain rights that all individuals possess, regardless of their position within the University. The University seeks to ensure that such rights are not subject to discrimination. The University is fully committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fairness and to eliminating discrimination for all staff, students, and anyone associated with the University regardless of their age, disability, marital status, family circumstances, race (color, ethnicity, or national background), religion or belief, or gender.
As part of this commitment to equality and diversity, the University recognizes the importance of ensuring that all individuals have access to educational activities, including lifelong learning opportunities. The University believes that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives. By promoting an inclusive and equitable learning environment, the University is contributing to the achievement of SDG 4 and ensuring that all individuals have access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Public access to libraries for All
Public libraries serve as a vital cornerstone of a thriving and well-rounded society, making a substantial impact in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – to establish comprehensive and fair quality education while fostering lifelong learning possibilities for everyone. These libraries represent an invaluable resource, offering an extensive reservoir of knowledge, information, and literature that has the potential to enrich and elevate individuals’ lives.
The University acknowledges the significance of ensuring public access to its library resources, which encompass a diverse range of books and publications. To facilitate this, the University has extended access to the library’s digital resources by providing a designated username and password. This initiative empowers individuals to broaden their intellectual horizons both within the campus confines and beyond its boundaries.
In a bid to foster community interaction, the University’s library additionally furnishes an inviting space for people to engage with these resources. This is exemplified through the provision of a research room option within the library portal, affording individuals the opportunity to delve into academic endeavors while nurturing a sense of communal involvement.
The essence of public library accessibility resonates deeply with the principle of lifelong learning, nurturing a sense of curiosity and intellectual growth. By enabling open access to library materials, Applied Science University stands as a catalyst in the realization of SDG 4, committed to providing individuals of all backgrounds and circumstances with the means to partake in quality education and unceasing learning prospects.
Through this dedication to equitable knowledge distribution, the University acknowledges the transformative potential of public libraries for the betterment of society. In line with its commitment to universal access to education and knowledge, Applied Science University remains steadfast in its resolve to facilitate equitable learning opportunities for all.
Quality Education at Applied Science University
Applied Science University has achieved several milestones that demonstrate its commitment to providing quality education and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The University has passed the Institutional Review by the Education & Training Quality Authority (BQA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain and achieved Global Accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in the UK, making it one of only 11 universities in the world to achieve this recognition. Additionally, the University has achieved “Full Confidence” for all academic programs undergoing BQA Program Reviews and is on track for successful placement of all academic programs on the NQF Register.
Moreover, the University has achieved official academic recognition from the Ministry of Education in Jordan and Syria and has been featured on various international rankings, including the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, QS World University Rankings, QS Arab Region Universities Rankings, QS Top 50 under 50 Rankings, and QS Graduate Employability Ranking. The University has also achieved 4 Stars in the QS Stars Rating system and has been featured on the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. In addition to being the 1st and only University in Bahrain and the Gulf region to achieve both ISO 9001:2015 (for Quality Management Systems) and ISO 21001:2018 (for Educational Organizations Management Systems) certifications.
Furthermore, the University has been ranked 3rd in Bahrain and 4934 in the world in the international Ranking Web of Universities (webometrics) and has become an Accredited Center by Advance HE, a British professional membership scheme promoting excellence in higher education.
Overall, Applied Science University’s achievements demonstrate its commitment to providing quality education and contributing to the achievement of SDG 4 by ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The University’s international recognition and accreditation demonstrate its dedication to providing a high standard of education and preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce and thriving society.
Women empowerment in ASU
The Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain is committed to promoting women’s empowerment and providing an inclusive environment that supports female students. One of the ways in which the university achieves this is by having a designated women’s club for female students, which is responsible for organizing events and activities that help female students gain soft skills and build their confidence.
The women’s club at ASU is a student-led organization that focuses on empowering and supporting female students. The club organizes various events, workshops, and seminars that cover a wide range of topics, including leadership, teamwork, communication, and personal development. The events are designed to provide female students with opportunities to learn new skills, gain confidence, and build networks with their peers and mentors. The women’s club is also responsible for organizing events that celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality. For example, the club organizes events to celebrate International Women’s Day and the national Bahraini Women Day, which is an important day to recognize women’s contributions to society and to raise awareness about gender equality. The events include talks, panel discussions, and workshops that focus on issues such as women’s rights, gender stereotypes, and women’s leadership.
The women’s club at ASU is an essential platform for female students to connect with each other and with female role models in the community. The events organized by the club provide female students with opportunities to learn from successful women and to build networks that can help them in their future careers. The women’s club at ASU is an example of the university’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering female students. By providing a platform for female students to develop their skills and build their confidence, the university is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for all students. In conclusion, the women’s club is an essential platform for female students to connect with each other, learn new skills, and build their confidence. The club’s focus on promoting gender equality and celebrating women’s achievements is a testament to the university’s commitment to empowering its female students. The women’s club is an example of how universities can play a vital role in promoting women’s empowerment and creating a more inclusive environment for all students.
Women between Competitiveness and Empowerment
As ASU continues its support to empower women, Prof Saad Darwish President’s Advisor for Special Projects attended a Regional Forum on “Women between Competitiveness and Empowerment” on 11 March 2021 , which was under the patronage of the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Mr Zayed R. Alzayani. The forum aimed to revise legislation that supports women; motivates women to contribute to economic development and helps them to lead. The forum discussed eight papers which covered a broad spectrum of issues related to women empowerment and competitiveness [7]
Support of Women Entrepreneurship
Prof Saad Dariwsh, President’s Advisor for Special Projects attended the Launch of Alwani Society in Bahrain on 7 November 2020. This society has the mission of highlighting the role that women can play in the Bahraini economy. The objective is to increase the percentage of women contributing to the labour market and to enhance the efficiency and capabilities of women to follow their chosen career. Further, to raise awareness within the wider Bahraini society of the rights and responsibilities of women to allow them to play a more active role in the economy. Many entrepreneurs’ men and women attended the event as part of their support. At the end of the event, the board and the chair of the society thanked all those who supported them. This support is a great opportunity for our female students to join this society as it can be of good help for those planning to start their businesses.
The Role of Academic Guidance and Assistance in Supporting
Women Engineers to Keep on Practicing within the Fieldb On 3 October 2020, Applied Science University, represented by Dr Mohamed Mahgoub (Programme Coordinator, BEng Architectural Design Engineering)
and students from the same college (Mrs Muneera Al Kaabi and Mrs Sara Rashed) attended the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) and Supreme Council of Women in Bahrain Forum titled “The role of academic guidance and assistance in supporting women Engineers to keep on practising within the field”. The forum aims to convey the Kingdom’s experience in empowering Bahraini women in an attempt to monitor and analyse women’s learning and work in the engineering sector in public and private sectors by examining the current situation of Bahraini women engineers monitored by the Commission. The sessions started by presenting the current status of Engineering Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the light of the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) reviews through a working paper presented by the Director of Higher Education Reviews, Dr Wafa Al-Mansoori. This was followed by two main discussion sessions, the first one was on “The role of Academic Guidance and Technical Support in Education and Engineering Work”, and the other session was on “The role of Higher Education Institutions in Coordinating Academic Programmes with the Needs of the Future Labour Market”. At the end, Dr Jawaher Al Mudhaki, Executive Chairman of the Quality Education and Training Authority, concluded that Bahraini women succeeded in becoming an influential social figure in the field of engineering as well as other fields that promote the country and adopt its generations and they are thankful to the support of HRH Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of His Majesty the King and the President of the Supreme Council for Women. The forum is considered an attempt to chart a roadmap that contributes to the sustainability of the work of the Bahraini Woman Engineer to continue her path towards excellence, creativity and master [9].
ASU Encourages Entrepreneurship
The university encourages entrepreneurship by launching the business incubation center:
Professor Waheeb Al Khaja, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees highlighted on the importance of University’s commitment in supporting entrepreneurship that will broaden the educational horizon and the knowledge that influences productivity through entrepreneurship which contributes in supporting the economy of Kingdom of Bahrain.
He also mentioned that the University is keen to provide their students with necessary entrepreneurship skills in order to develop their capabilities through various corporate agreements with establishments that support such innovations and entrepreneurship.
Therefore, the University launched a Business Incubation Center that combines both innovation and entrepreneurship from all its academic programmes. This comes with the aim to generate all opportunities that enhance the students’ entrepreneurship concept to make them job-makers rather than job seekers. The Center is a strategic mechanism to enhance the students’ entrepreneurial skills that creates new ventures and partnerships opportunities.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, the University President, mentioned that the incubation center at the university represent a workroom that prepares youth who has the motive to experience real entrepreneurship feeling especially in their early stages. He also stressed on the importance of such projects in supporting the national economy by providing new work opportunities that contributes in reducing unemployment rates.
Professor Aouad also stressed that the university is devoted to support the students’ entrepreneurial ideas, along with their graduation projects at the bachelor and master’s level. This also included the provided facilities to enable students to develop their ideas and improve their views towards entrepreneurship.
Business Incubation Center BIC
https://www.asu.edu.bh/business-incubation-centre/about-bic/
Success stories and Achievements:
- Al FAZAA Project:
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/05-AL-FAZAA-Project.pdf
- TAMKEEN: Kick Start Your Business Workshop
Student Council at ASU
https://www.asu.edu.bh/student-affairs/student-council/
The university provides a student-centered learning environment that prioritizes the student voice. One of the ways in which the university achieves this is through the establishment of a student council that represents the interests and concerns of the student body. The student council at ASU has been in existence for 16 cycles and consists of 15 members who represent all the different colleges in the university. The members of the council are both males and females, ensuring that the council is representative of the diverse student population. The student council is responsible for voicing the concerns and issues of the student body to the university administration. The council works closely with the administration to ensure that students’ needs and interests are considered when decisions are made that affect the student body.
The student council also plays a vital role in organizing events and activities that promote student engagement and involvement. The council organizes events such as cultural festivals, sports tournaments, and community service projects, which help to create a sense of community and belonging among students.
One of the most significant indications of the university’s commitment to the student voice is that the president of the student council has a chair in the university council. This means that the student council president has a direct voice in the university’s decision-making process, ensuring that the student voice is heard and considered at the highest level. The student council at ASU is an essential platform for students to express their opinions, voice their concerns, and engage with the university administration. The council’s work ensures that the student voice is an integral part of the university’s decision-making process and that students’ needs and interests are considered. In conclusion, the student council is a crucial platform for promoting student engagement and involvement and ensuring that the student voice is an integral part of the university’s decision-making process. The council’s work is a testament to the university’s commitment to providing a student-centered learning environment that prioritizes the student voice.
Alumni Club at ASU
https://www.asu.edu.bh/?page_id=110039
The alumni club at the university is a dynamic organization that plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong connection between the university and its graduates. The club has been in existence for six cycles and has 13 members, including male and female members. One of the primary goals of the alumni club is to help graduates develop their skills and find suitable job opportunities. To achieve this goal, the club organizes various events and workshops that cover a range of topics, including leadership, entrepreneurship, and communication skills. These events and workshops are conducted by industry experts and experienced professionals, providing alumni with valuable insights and knowledge that they can use to advance their careers. In addition to organizing events and workshops, the alumni club helps to facilitate networking opportunities for alumni. The club provides a platform for alumni to stay in touch with each other and with the university administration, enabling them to remain engaged with the university’s activities and events. This networking helps alumni to build valuable connections and access potential job opportunities.
The alumni club also plays a crucial role in organizing an annual job fair that welcomes companies from the public and private sectors who offer job and internship vacancies for university graduates. The job fair provides a valuable opportunity for alumni to connect with potential employers and learn about the job market. The alumni club’s efforts have contributed significantly to the university’s reputation as a student-centered institution that places a high priority on supporting its graduates. The club’s work has helped to create a strong sense of community among alumni and has enabled the university to maintain a strong relationship with its graduates.
In conclusion, the alumni club is a vital platform for maintaining a strong connection between the university and its graduates. Through its events, workshops, and job fair, the club provides alumni with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers and remain engaged with the university. The alumni club’s efforts have helped to create a strong sense of community among alumni, and its work is a testament to the university’s commitment to supporting its graduates even after they leave the university.
ASU Strategic Plan
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ASU-Strategic-Plan-Final.pdf
Quality is a main objective in ASU strategic plan as shown below:
Equality and Diversity Policy
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Student-Handbook-English-2022-2021.pdf
Policy Statement
This policy outlines the commitment of Applied Science University to create an environment where differences are valued and equality of opportunity is evident among all staff, students, and any stakeholder.
- This policy defines certain actions that are not permissible and that are considered unlawful. These are called ‘Types of Discrimination’.
- It also identifies so-called ‘protected characteristics’ which are best described as certain attributes that regular people possess which the University considers should be safeguarded. When ‘safeguarded’ it means against the ‘Types of Discrimination’.
The Applied Science University is fully committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fairness and to eliminate discrimination against all national and international staff, students, and anyone associated with the University (e.g. visitors, contractors and service providers) regardless of:
- Age
- Disability
- Marital Status
- Pregnancy and Maternity
- Race (colour, ethnicity, or nationality)
- Religion or Belief
- Gender h. Unfair Dismissal
No kinds of discrimination, harassment, or bullying are tolerated at the Applied Science University.
Equality and Diversity Policy
Version Control & Sign–Off Sheet
Protected Characteristics
4.1 Age
The university protects people of all ages and works within the legal framework for employment in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Different treatment because of age is not unlawful and does not constitute direct or indirect discrimination if it can be justified on the grounds of effective and efficient work procedures, i.e. if it can be demonstrated that it is a proportionate means of meeting a legitimate aim.
4.2 Disability
The university has made it easy for any employee to declare that they are disabled and it is an expectation of the University that any physical or mental is declared in order to ensure that individuals are protected from disability discrimination. Under this policy, a person is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities as described in their job specification. Where possible the University will make reasonable adjustments to allow a member of staff who is disabled to carry out their duties effectively.
4.3 Marriage
The policy protects employees who are married against discrimination and in particular makes reasonable adjustments to assist new employees to ensure that they do not need to be separated for an unduly long period from their immediate family.
4.4 Family circumstances
A woman is provided with particular rights and considerations on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity – during the period of her pregnancy and any statutory maternity leave to which she is entitled. During this period, these arrangements cannot be viewed by other employees as sex discrimination.
4.5 Race
For the purposes of this policy ‘race’ includes color, nationality and ethnic or national origins.
4.6 Religion or belief
Religion includes any religion. It also includes a lack of religion, in other words employees or jobseekers are protected if they do not follow a certain religion or have no religion at all.
4.7 Gender
Both men and women are treated equally and protected under this policy.
Types of Discrimination
5.1 Direct Discrimination
This occurs when any stakeholder is treated less favorably than another person because of a “Protected Characteristic”.
5.2 Associative Discrimination
This is discrimination against any stakeholder because they have an association with someone with a particular “Protected Characteristic”.
5.3 Perceptive Discrimination
This is discrimination against any stakeholder because the discriminator thinks the person possesses a protected characteristic, even if they do not in actually do so.
5.4 Indirect Discrimination
This occurs where a policy, rule or procedure applies to everyone but has a disproportionate impact on people with a protected characteristic. The University is assiduous in considering the rights of all its employees and does not develop and implement policies which lead to indirect discrimination.
Responsibilities and commitment
6.1 All staff, students and anyone associated with the University must accept the principle that there is equality of opportunity and fairness for all staff and students in all aspect of University life.
6.2 In their day-to-day work all staff, students and anyone associated with the University must ensure they do not support unfair behavior by ignoring what is happening around them and must not incite with unfair or unlawful discrimination.
6.3 All staff, students and anyone associated with the University, have a responsibility to adhere to this policy and apply it in their day to day work. The specific responsibilities in relation to this policy are as follows:
6.3.1 The University is ultimately responsible for ensuring that it fulfils its legal responsibilities for promoting equality and eliminating discrimination, and for making sure that the commitments within this policy are fulfilled.
6.3.2 The President, having the overall leadership for running the University, has the responsibility for ensuring that the legal responsibilities for promoting equality and eliminating discrimination, and for making sure that the commitments within this statement are fulfilled across the University.
6.3.3 HRD is responsible for implementation of this policy with respect to staff and also for implementing related policies and procedures. HRD will also ensure that all staff receive appropriate equality and diversity inclusion training.
6.3.4 The Dean of Student Affairs is responsible for implementation of this policy with respect to students and also for implementing related policies and procedures.
6.3.5 Deans of Colleges/Heads of Department have a responsibility for ensuring that all staff and students are aware of the commitments within the policy. They also have a responsibility to promote equality of opportunity and to eliminate discrimination within their Colleges/Departments
Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment
7.1 If a member of staff feels that they have been discriminated against, the complaint should be raised in accordance with the appropriate University Grievance Procedure, in general, any such grievance is to be reported to HRD either via email (hr@asu.edu.bh), a written letter or in person.
7.2 If a student feels that they have been discriminated against, the complaint should be raised in accordance with the University’s Code of Practice on Complaints, Appeals and Discipline.
7.3 If a member of staff or student feels that they are being bullied or harassed, the complaint should be raised in accordance with the University’s Harassment and Bullying Policy.
7.4 Advice on the use of these procedures can be obtained from Human Resources and Student Services.
Any member of the University community found to be responsible for inciting, perpetrating or colluding with discrimination may face disciplinary action that may lead to termination or prosecution.
Female Lounge
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Student-Handbook-English-2022-2021.pdf
This great students’ facility is available for female students only, it is located in the basement floor and opens from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (next to the Ladies Prayer Room).
Students Council, Alumni Club and Students Clubs Room No. (301)
This students’ facility is located on the 3 rd floor, and it is part of the Deanship of Student Affairs; it supports the students to work together and perform their tasks.
Student Activities
The Deanship of Student Affairs has the responsibility for ensuring that students are exposed to and involved in various activities and provides various opportunities for the students to develop their personal and educational potential. ASU encourages the students to be involved in the Student Council, clubs, events, workshops, national and international celebrations, sporting activities, competitions, national and international fora, debates, and extracurricular activities. Students are informed of forthcoming activities through ASU communication channels, including social media
The Seventh Cultural Educational Exhibition
https://www.asu.edu.bh/2018/12/the-seventh-cultural-educational-exhibition/
Under the patronage of Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa, the Governor of Capital Governorate, the 7th cultural educational exhibition been organised on the 2nd December 2018 by the Deanship of Student Affairs with the collaboration of the College of Arts and Science. Moreover, the event was attended by a large number of students, staff and VIP guests attended which, included the Palestine Ambassador HE Taha Abdulqader.
Nevertheless, all the attendees where highly impressed by the creative, innovative cultural talent and detailed work performed by the students.
Dr Rawya Taher, Counseling office manager and Assistant Professor, the event orgniser, explained that the main goal of this exhibition is the use of modern interactive learning models that encourage students to develop their thinking skills by working in teams on various projects. The theme of the exhibition is coexistence amongst various cultures, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
There were 14 cultures representing various countries including; Switzerland, Turkey, Morocco, Mexico, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, India, Japan, North Africa & Hawaii. Students exhibited various famous people, traditions, costumes, landmarks, foods and drinks, currency, and many more related material.
In addition, Bahraini Traditional show from Howar International School was presented in Abdulla Nass Hall showing the influence of art and cultural heritage.
Dr.Moaiad Khder Presented a Paper in the Parliamentary Forum for People of Determination 2023 Bahrain
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PND-V8-Issue16-24-July-23.pdf
The Parliamentary Forum for People of Determination 2023 was opened on May 31, 2023, under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and was organized by the General Secretariat of the House of Representatives in collaboration with a number of relevant official and civil authorities. The forum discussed the challenges confronting this group and presented solutions and methods to empower people of determination and their involvement and empowerment in society, through (an opening session and four general discussion sessions), which included 12 papers, stories, and inspiring experiences in various fields of work and development, and the conference issued 43 recommendations. It was presented by professionals from centers and associations specializing in people of determination, universities and research centers, important governmental bodies and agencies, and legislative authority members from the Shura Council and the House of representatives. His Excellency Representative Mamdouh Abbas Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Services Committee, moderated the second discussion session on services (health, education, and housing). The first paper was titled: Empowering Determined People in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Education Sector: Reality, Challenges, Future, and the Role of Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Moaiad Khder, Head of the Computer Science Department, delivered the presentation, emphasizing that the Kingdom of Bahrain has achieved significant progress in empowering people of determination, , where the government adopted a variety of legislation and programs to promote the integration of persons with determination in all aspects of society and in numerous industries, including education (he explored how Applied Science University supports students with special needs: In accordance with Bahrain laws regarding persons with special needs and academic policies at Applied Science University.
The university welcomes students with special needs. Physical impairment, temporary injuries, learning problems, and attention deficit are some of the special needs. The university is committed to ensuring strict confidentiality in the records of students with special needs. The report indicates that there are still many areas that can be improved and issues that must be addressed in order to ensure that persons with determination have equal opportunities to get quality education. He emphasized that the issues confronting people with determination in Bahrain’s education sector can be solved through a variety of ways, one of the most promising of which is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance inclusive education.
Celebrating The International Day for Persons with Disabilities
Under the patronage of H. E. Professor Ghassan Fouad Aouad, President of Applied Science University, the Community Engagement Office organized “Disability is not the End” ceremony on the occasion of the World Day for Disability. The event was established at Abdullah Nass Hall in the University on 22 February 2021. H.E. Former Lebanese Minister of Education and Vice President of the American University of Beirut, Professor Hasan Diab, H.E. Mohammed Bin Abdullah AlSinan Chairman of Municipal Council of Muharraq Governorate, and H.E. Municipal Council Member Yusuf Bin Ahmed AlThawadi attended the Celebration.
In addition, audience include a number of disability challengers champions, personalities and associations of people with disabilities, including Bahrain Deaf Society, Bahrain Friendship Society for the Blind, Bahrain Mobility International, Down Syndrome, Ta’awn Centre, voluntary teams, and a number of academic and administrative staff and students from the University. The ceremony began with playing the National authem, and the read verses from the Holy Quran by the reader Mahmoud Habil (blind). After that, Prof. Ghassan Awad delivered a speech on this occasion. A film has been displayed during the celebration about challenging disabilities titled “The Begin of a Life”; the story of the film and screenplay and dialogue provided by Samir Abdullah Ali, starring by Mohammed Nami and Mishal AlDosari (student), and with the representation of students: Yousif Janahi, Ali AlKaabi, Salem Olayan, Mohammed AlKaabi, filming and editing by Khalifa AlYasi (student), and the idea and supervision provided by Mr. Thaer Mustafa Fahmi. After that, Ms. Abeer AlSalloum, Coach in the field of motivation and change (hearing impairment) presented a lecture about changing the thinking style and improving the society’s perception about persons with disabilities, Then the artist Ahmed Fawaz (blind) played a musical clip, followed by the submission of the disability challengers’ champions successful experiences and their stories to the audience. The experiments included the first deaf Coach in the Arab world Mr. Turki AlAjmi, coach of human development Yousif AlMarzouki (impaired mobility), radio and television announcer Mr. Mohamed AlHamri (blind), the first deaf that get a bachelor’s degree from University of Bahrain Mrs. Seema AlNawakhzeh and displayed the experience of Engineer Latifa Khaled the owner of engineering project specialist to disabilities.
Fully Equipped Building for Determined Students
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6Jg6VNHNX/?img_index=1
“Providing a suitable learning environment for determined students is a crucial priority that the university is committed to implementing effectively. To achieve this goal, the building has been fully equipped to accommodate our dedicated students, ensuring that all necessary facilities are in place for their convenient and easy access to classrooms and administrative offices.
Additionally, the academic and administrative staff at the university are ready to offer support and assistance to determined students in all aspects of university life. Everyone is focused on delivering lessons and study materials tailored to students’ needs, as well as providing appropriate educational resources. They also provide technical support and assistance for assistive equipment that students might require, such as laptops, audio aids, and specialized software for those with mobility impairments.
Psychological and social support is available through the Counseling Office within the Student Affairs Department. Furthermore, the university is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and creates opportunities for all students to excel. By prioritizing the needs of determined students and offering comprehensive support, the university aims to create an inclusive and empowering educational experience.”
Participation in the 2023 Parliamentary Forum for Determined Individuals
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6Jg6VNHNX/?img_index=1
“The university’s participation in the 2023 Parliamentary Forum for Determined Individuals, held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al Muslim, President of the Parliament, was notable. Dr. Muayyad Khudhair, the Head of the Computer Department, presented a working paper titled ‘Empowering Determined Individuals in the Education Sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain: Current Situation, Challenges, Future, and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.’
Moreover, students and graduates of the university actively took part in the accompanying exhibition during the forum. Determined students Nur Al Huda Rabee, Jasim Al Ayyash, and graduate Fatima Al Dooi shared their experiences and success stories during their university journey. They highlighted how the university provided them with the suitable conditions to assist them in completing their academic pursuits.”
Sign Language Workshop
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTRNGMZFc84/
“The Cultural Club at the Applied Sciences University organized a workshop on sign language, delivered by both Ms. Abir Saloom and Mr. Turki Al Ajmi. This event took place in conjunction with the Arab Deaf Week on Sunday, 23rd April 2017.”
BENEFIT announces sponsorship of International Conference and Exhibition for the “People of Determination”
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has announced their sponsorship of the International Conference and Exhibition for the “People of Determination” taking place on the 13th and 14th of September 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Convention Centre. The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Envoy for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs.
The conference, hosted by the National Society for the Support of Education and Training, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase and explore the finest and latest innovations, technologies, products and services in the special needs field from across the world, which will improve the lives of people with disabilities. Parents with special needs children will be exposed to societies, associations, and centers aimed at “People of Determination”, in addition to receiving a free psychological and educational evaluation from professionals and consultants at the event.
The event seeks to create awareness among all segments of society, particularly parents and guardians, academic and scientific organizations, researchers and professionals, persons with special needs, and other individuals and organizations in the Kingdom. Furthermore, it also aims to contribute to the integration of “People of Determination” in several sectors, with the hopes of incentivizing organizations in both public and private sectors to provide employment opportunities for these gifted people, as well as to raise awareness on the multiple categories of “People of Determination,” which include autism, learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD, Down Syndrome, mild mental retardation, physical disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, and others.
Adel Al-Kooheji Seniors Manager PR & Corporate Communications, at BENEFIT, commented on the initiative, “We are thrilled to be supporting the International Conference and Exhibition for the “People of Determination” as sponsors. This is an initiative that takes concrete measures toward identifying Bahrain’s special needs landscape and provides a networking platform for all leaders involved in the inclusion and empowerment of people with special needs across the country, and it is a true honor to be a part of it. Our vision at BENEFIT is perfectly aligned with this effort, as we aspire to shape the future of society, inspire individuals to unleash their power, and to unlock new opportunities, and this would not be feasible without a commitment to integrating people with special needs into mainstream society.”
The People Of Determination International Exhibition and Conference supports Bahrain’s commitment to creating an inclusive society by bringing together an association for disabled people, educators, social workers, key policymakers, consultants and professionals, philanthropists, and many more. Furthermore, Bahrain prioritizes persons with special needs, ensuring their rights as equal members of society, and honors their contributions to society and their support towards Sustainable Development Goals.
7TH CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/6th-President27s-News-Digest-V4-09122018.pdf
On Sunday 2 December 2018, the Deanship of Student Affairs organized in collaboration with the College of Arts and Science its 7th educational exhibition on “Coexistence in Bahrain”, under the patronage of Shaikh Hesham bin Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa, the Governor of Capital Governorate, and the invitation from the President of the University Professor Ghassan Aouad. A large number of students, staff and VIP guests attended this successful event, including Professor Waheeb Al khaja, the chairman of the board of trustees, and a delegation from the Palestinian embassy.
Everyone who attended this event was very much impressed by the creative, innovative and detailed work performed by our students. Dr Rawya who organized this event, explained that the main goal of this exhibition is the use of modern learning models that encourage students to learn and develop their thinking skills by working in teams on various projects. The theme of the exhibition is “Coexistence in Bahrain”amongst various cultures, religious and ethnic backgrounds. There were 14 cultures representing various countries including; Gulf Cooperation Council, South Africa, Hawaii, Mexico, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Iraq, Japan, India, Jordan, Switzerland Netherlands and Italy. Students exhibited various traditions, costumes, landmarks, foods and drinks, currency, and much more related material. In addition, dancing spectacles were presented by Al Hawar school students in Abdulla Nass Hall showing the influence of Bahraini culture on art and traditions and a poetry was delivered by two of our students about coexistence