Educational strides stressed as BQA marks 10th anniversary

Deputy Premier and President of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, patronised the ceremony held by the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA), marking its 10th anniversary. Deputy Premier and first BQA’s Board of Directors Chairman, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, and ministers attended the event.

In a statement, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak said BQA’s establishment represented a quantum leap in education in Bahrain, noting that it is among the initiatives launched by the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training for the aim of developing education and strengthening the kingdom’s educational status at the regional and global levels. Thanks to the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, support of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and direct follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, efforts will continue to develop education and training in the kingdom.

The deputy premier asserted that Bahrain’s educational renaissance which began in 1919 with the construction of the Al Hidaya Al Khalifya as the first official school in Bahrain, adding that Bahrain celebrate the centennial of official education in Bahrain next year. Transportation and Telecommunication Minister and Deputy BQA’s Board of Directors Chairman, Kamal Ahmed, in his statement, expressed pride in BQA, describing it as a national monument that has been implemented by national competencies and gained the kingdom local, regional and international acclaim.

He affirmed that BQA was launched in line with the belief of HRH the Crown Prince and the support of Deputy Premier, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak within an integrated project to develop education and training. BQA’s Chief Executive, Dr Jawaher Shaheen Al Mudhahki, gave a presentation about the Education and Training Development Project, and BQA’s history since its establishment until 2008.

The ceremony featured a presentation, themed “External Quality Assurance - Towards a Knowledge-based Economy,” by international expert, Peter Cheungi, who praised Bahrain’s experience in the field of education development and quality assurance practices within HM the King’s comprehensive Reform Project. The deputy premier also inaugurated BQA’s book on BQA, entitled “A Decade of Development”, which highlights BQA’s establishment by Bahraini competencies in 2008 and its achievements over the past decade.

He also inaugurated BQA’s new-look bilingual website, and presented the international speaker and BQA’s board members with commemorative shields. BQA’s deputy board chairman also honoured 32 BQA’s staff who have served for ten years.