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A love for the Arabic language and a desire to learn more about Bahraini culture has drawn 23 British students from their homes in London and Durham to the kingdom this week.
Aged between 12 and 18, the youngsters from Sarah Bonnell School, John Kelly Boys’ School and Belmont School have a beginner’s knowledge of the language.
They volunteered to spend two-weeks with their counterparts from the Bahrain Bayan School, learn more about the language and take examinations in written and spoken Arabic before they return home.
During their visit the young Brits will also take part in numerous activities organised by the British Council in Bahrain.
“The students will be visiting the National Museum, the Al Fateh mosque, the F1 race track, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun and a desert camp,” said project manager Sonali Vatwani.
The youngsters say they are particularly excited about visiting Bahraini homes, playing a friendly football match as well as having the opportunity to cook and serve Arabic food to their new friends at the Al Bander Resort.
The young people have travelled to the Middle East for the first time.
Gul Khan Rahman, 16, said: “I am curious to travel a country which is just 30 miles across – just as big as my London borough!”
Shabrina Hassan, 14, says she is looking forward to sampling traditional Arabic food and Thomas Wallage, 14, a musician who plays the piano and cornet, is keen to experience Arabic music.
Jordan Nicholson, 14, a promising footballer, added: “I was very excited about coming here. We’re looking forward to playing local youngsters in a friendly match.”
Teacher Mohammed Khan, from the John Kelly Boys’ School, said: “Alongside cultural awareness this visit will help my students better understand and appreciate cultural tolerance.”
“Arabic is part of the lives of some of the visiting children,” added Humera Ihsan, a visiting teacher from Sarah Bonnell School.
“Many of them are Muslims and learning what they have been reading in the Quran enriches their language and their culture. Just a day in this country has already inspired one of my students, Mary Davis, aged 13, who wants to be an architect when she grows up. The new buildings are impressive.”
