Bahrain School celebrates National Day with joy, amid precautionary measures

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

With a strong community spirit and renewed hope in a brighter future, but under strict COVID-19 precautionary measures, Bahrain School celebrated Bahrain’s 49th National Day.

The school with its myriad of nationalities from across the globe has regularly celebrated the special day, hosting bands playing Bahraini music, performing traditional Ardha dances, sharing local food.

However, this year, the celebration was confined to the cafeteria where students sat for lunch on assigned seats six feet apart and were offered cupcakes decorated with Bahraini flags while patriotic and traditional songs augmented the festive mood.

“I am glad that despite the challenges imposed by COVID-19, we could celebrate Bahrain’s National Day and strengthen the spirit of community that has always prevailed in our school,” Principal Shana D. Seawright said.

It meant that the usual plans had to be modified to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and keep the students healthy and safe, she added.

Amal Marouf, Arabic teacher, a major force behind the details of the celebration, said she was happy everything went as planned.

“We had a real challenge this year, but thanks to the support of the school administration, the tremendous generosity of the parents and the enthusiasm of the students, we were able to put together a celebration,” she said.

“It is great that the hardship COVID-19 brought across the world, did not dampen the enthusiasm of our school community to mark the 49th Bahrain National Day, an occasion that is highly valued here.”

She said that there was some concern, at one Tim, the traditional annual celebration might not be held or might be very low key.

“Fortunately, the administration, the parents and the students made it possible, although, understandably, the celebration could not be as grandiose as in the past, the spirit did remain alive,” Amal said.