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A Bahraini teenager is to represent the kingdom at an international peace camp aimed at bringing young people together and breaking down barriers and misconceptions.
And by all accounts she has her hands full after making contact with several of her fellow delegates from all over the world.
Computer sales executive Samar Jaffar, 18, from Isa Town, has been in touch with them through email exchange and says that the misconceptions some have show that the Middle East is a deeply misunderstood region.
"Some of the participants have asked me whether I'm allowed to drive or wear regular clothes,"_she said. "Some think that Arab men rule over women's decisions and we still live in the desert with no electricity.
"Then, there are those who haven't even heard of Bahrain!"
Samar is planning to address these points at the 10-day 'People to People International (PTPI) Peace Camp' through dialogue and a presentation about Bahrain that will outline its traditions, culture and the modern living on the island.
PTPI was established in 1956 by US President Dwight D Eisenhower who, after witnessing the horrors of death camps during the Second World War, was certain that if people would come to know one another, it would create a climate of understanding and peace would follow.
PTPI has its headquarters in Kansas city, Missouri, US, and operates as a non-profit, non-political, non-religious NGO under the leadership of Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of the late president.
It has a presence in 125 countries and runs several youth and adult programmes.
The organisation's primary objective is to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among people of different countries and diverse cultures.
