Bahrain Education Ministry paves path for differently abled with scholarships

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

In a significant stride towards inclusivity, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, the Minister of Education, announced that over the past five years, 161 differently abled students have been awarded scholarships for higher education by the Ministry.

These scholarships, available to high school graduates, serve as a beacon of the Ministry’s commitment to fostering opportunities for all aspiring scholars to pursue further studies in higher education institutions.

What’s noteworthy about these scholarships is that they were granted irrespective of cumulative grades, reflecting the Ministry’s ethos of encouragement and support for all learners.

Responding to queries from Shura Council member Ijlaal Bubshait, the Minister disclosed that the current academic year sees 234 special needs students enrolled at local universities, underlining the Ministry’s dedication to providing accessible and free education, as mandated by Bahrain’s educational policy and constitution.

Dr. Juma emphasised the Ministry’s holistic approach towards educational services, especially towards students with special needs, including those with Down syndrome, autism, hearing and visual impairments, and mild intellectual disabilities.

The Ministry is steadfast in its mission to integrate these learners into government schools, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

When it comes to higher education, the Minister stressed the Board of Trustees of Higher Education’s mandate for institutions to provide necessary facilities and support to surmount obstacles faced by students with special needs.

He emphasised that institutions are prohibited from altering or removing essential facilities meant to aid individuals with special needs, further underlining the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in education.