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A community group is set to honour the memory of a leading educator in the kingdom to ensure his legacy of helping children fulfil their potential continues.
The Afkarech Female Network and Think Tank aims to support the mission of Joseph Thomas, the founder and chairman of The Asian School, by staging a month-long book collection drive.
Joseph, who has helped educate and motivate thousands of students in Bahrain over several generations, passed away suddenly last month at the age of 75 following a cardiac arrest.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his children Lovy and Timmy, son-in-law Vinod, daughter-in-law Sarin and granddaughter Isabel.
Moved by his never-ending contribution to the growth of quality education in the community, the campaigning networking group of women stepped forward.
“Afkarech would like to pay tribute to the wonderful work Joseph has done and we chose to have a book drive as a fitting way to honour his legacy,” said its founder and president Mariam Alammadi. “His entire life was devoted to educating children and teaching them to become the best they can be. In this way, we wish to spread the gift of education and knowledge far and wide and honour a true gentleman dedicated to improving lives through education.”
Around 40 years ago, Joseph came to the kingdom with a vision in mind – to set up a school for the Indian community in Bahrain. In 1983, that dream became a reality and he started the Asian Kindergarten with 65 children and three teachers.
A year later, the establishment was renamed The Asian School and in 1989 a campus opened in Umm Al Hassam.
The school project continued to expand, starting with a campus in Juffair in 1999, surpassing 2,500 students by 2003 and launching an 8.2-acre campus in Tubli in 2015.
That then increased to 10.75 acres in 2019 with 4,500 students and the inclusion of the first batch of Grade 11 students. In 2020, the Asian School embraced on-line teaching methods due to the pandemic and in 2021 virtual learning continued with the first batch of Grade 12 students set to appear for the CBSE Board Examinations. The school now boasts 4,685 students and 205 employees.
“As a group, we are in awe of the contribution he made to society throughout his life time,” added Mariam. “Joseph was a pillar of the community, a beacon of knowledge and a true believer in the power of education.
“His spirit lives on through his daughter and beloved vice president of Afkarech, Lovy, who continues on his legacy through her love for education and her commitment to empowering girls and young women.
“Please support this worthwhile cause by donating fun and educational books, both new and gently used. We would like any books that would be suitable for children of all ages and young adults to help teach them a new skill or simply let them explore their imaginations with the gift of reading.”
A sticker featuring Joseph’s picture and a brief bio will be placed in every donated book as well.
All books can be dropped off at The Asian School between 7.30am and 6pm from Saturday to Thursday or at The Child & Family Foundation Centre in Umm Al Hassam between 9am and 6pm from Sunday to Thursday. The drive will run from June 15 to July 15 and the books will be distributed to orphanages, special education centres and shelters.
Lovy added: “My father strived for the cause of education and unbeknownst to so many, he has helped to educate so many unprivileged children both in the Kingdom of Bahrain and India, so I cannot think of a more befitting tribute to him.”
For details, follow @afkarech on Instagram or contact Joy from The Asian School on 39713191 and 32380273 or Mohammed from the Child & Family Foundation Centre on 39960912 for drop-offs.
