The "Dream Big" Initiative Celebrates its Bronze Jubilee

TDT | Manama

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The volunteer initiative "Dream Big" held its annual recognition ceremony for the past academic year 2023-2024. Established in 2014, the initiative aims to encourage the Bahraini community to learn English through fun and innovative methods. This year’s ceremony was especially heart-warming as the program celebrated its bronze jubilee, marking ten years since its founding. The event was attended by representatives from charitable organizations, clubs, and youth empowerment centers.

The ceremony, held at the Muharraq Youth Center, honored volunteers and community partners, including clubs, charities, and youth empowerment centers, as well as individuals who supported the initiative - in appreciation of their efforts to serve their community over the past year. On this occasion, the initiative also recognized prominent figures who contributed to its establishment and the first cohort of its students and volunteers. Encouragement and appreciation are pillars without which the program would not have prospered, which is why the initiative continues its tradition to present special awards for exceptional achievements, including the Best Volunteer Award, Best Assistant Leader, and Best Leader of the academic year. However, the most anticipated award of Dream Big’s annual ceremonies, Branch of the Year, was eagerly awaited and finally announced after a year of steadfast commitment, teamwork, and a special spirit of competition.

The Best Leader award for the academic year 2023-2024 was awarded for the second consecutive year to volunteer Mohamed Ali from the Isa Town branch, who took on countless responsibilities, including overseeing the redesign and preparation of lessons for all stages and levels, supervising various events and side programs. Mohamed is a serious leader and a witty delightful friend - the special blend of these two qualities could be the reason behind his unique leadership in the Isa Town branch, which has brought about a qualitative leap since he joined.

The Best Assistant Leader award went to volunteer Sayed Hashem Almajed, who supported his team in the Isa Town branch in various ways and ideas, showcasing it in the best light. He not only lifted students’ spirits but his fellow volunteers as well. He made a distinguished contribution to the success of many events and activities at both the branch and the initiative level.

The ceremony also recognized the top volunteers from each of the five branches across the Kingdom. The awardees included Fatima Al-Barri from Saar branch,  Asma Husam from Al-Naim branch, Zainab Husain from Isa Town branch, Bibi Nahida from Muharraq branch, and Noor Moosa from Malkiya branch.

As for the moment of the night, Isa Town branch was crowned Best Branch for the academic year 2023-2024. Isa Town earned this well-deserved title for creating an inviting environment for volunteers, reflected in their high attendance throughout the school year, surpassing a milestone of one thousand volunteer hours. They organized numerous outstanding activities for both students and volunteers, implementing many creative ideas and supervising various programs and events with professionalism and coordination, fostering a sense of family among the team.

Jassim Makhlooq, the Initiative’s president, stated, "Over its ten years, the initiative has created an attractive environment for thousands of students and hundreds of volunteers, offering a noble goal and a unique mission." He added, "The volunteers in this initiative exemplify the creative and ambitious Bahraini youth, and the annual Dream Big event is a moment of reflection, celebration, and appreciation for the remarkable efforts that have had a genuinely lasting impact on the lives of individuals in the Bahraini community.

This is the least we can do to acknowledge what our volunteers have contributed throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. I must extend my sincere gratitude to all who made this celebration possible, especially our sponsors: Karami Catering, Tariq pastries, Kababi Restaurant, Mdoozan Cart, and Warda Cook-Away Café. Last but not least, may we continue this journey for decades to come, God willing."