More productive than you think

TDT | Manama

Their efforts are nothing less than heroic. In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, as people stayed stunned under lockdowns, they were busy tooling up and ramping up to produce thousands of face masks. Known in Bahrain as productive families, they produced invaluable efforts to help medical workers and first responders on the front lines.

According to Labour and Social Development Minister, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali-Humaidan, productive families and volunteers in Bahrain have so far produced more than 100,000 masks. The venture became an instant success, thanks to the help of the government who took up the responsibility to assure raw materials and safe locations for volunteers to work.

The effort was support by the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) and Batelco. In the first phase of the project, productive families and graduates trained at social centres were instrumental in producing more than 40,000 masks.

“The face masks which meet the standards set by the Ministry of Health are distributed to citizens and residents free of charge,” the minister said paying tribute to Bahraini citizens for rallying to contribute to the national efforts to combat the pandemic.

He said the government is ensuring a continuous supply of raw materials as well as continuing to take measures to ensure a healthy workplace. The minister also commended the role of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), Batelco and other official and non-governmental institutions for supporting the community partnership initiative.

Humaidan said work is also underway to meet the growing demand for masks after the health authorities made it mandatory to wear face masks in public places and at work sites. He pointed out that several private institutions had agreed with the ministry to meet the increased requirement for face masks and distribute to citizens and residents free of charge.

The ongoing effort, the Minister said, is not strange to Bahraini citizens who had always come forward in times of great need. What they are doing now is nothing less than heroic. An effort we all will want to remember long after this is all over.