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The future of the kingdom continues to shine bright as youngsters are being given ample opportunities to develop into leaders through a month-long festival full of vocational training programmes aimed at boosting their skills, confidence and creativity, writes Mai Al-Khatib Camille.
The Youth Affairs Ministry, in co-operation with Tamkeen, has launched the 12th edition of Youth City 2023 featuring more than 100 diverse programmes for Bahrainis aged nine to 35, and 2,740 training opportunities in various fields.
“Youth City 2030 is one of many initiatives launched by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs,” said assistant under-secretary for support and initiatives at Youth Affairs Ministry Saud Yousif Alheddi.
“The city, which was first launched in 2010, is part of his efforts to support Bahraini youth and prepare them to be valid participants in shaping the future,” he added.
“It has various noble goals for Bahraini youth and the Youth Affairs Ministry always strives to make significant improvements in every iteration.
“The most important goal is discovering, refining and shedding light on young talents and providing training opportunities to improve their capabilities and skills. This is in addition to providing them with key skills that will empower them to enter the labour market and adapt quickly to the changes in the market.”
The event – which will be divided into five centres including leadership and entrepreneurship, media and entertainment, art and culture, science and technology as well as sports and health – will be held at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir until August 31. The morning period (8.30am-2pm) is dedicated to those aged nine to 14 and the evening (3.30pm-8.30pm) is for 15 to 35-year-olds.
More than 2,100 Bahrainis registered last year, with more expected in this edition.
“Youth City also caters to youngsters interested in becoming entrepreneurs by providing programmes that will empower them and help them succeed,” added Saud. “Many programmes will be offered within these centres focusing on projects and developing capabilities and skills that aim to enhance the technical, practical and creative side in all areas.”
For example, in the leadership and entrepreneurship category, children will learn how to develop their cross-cultural knowledge and work on STEM projects. While the youth will focus on the likes of digital assets and blockchain, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, getting over stage fright, sign language and more.
In the media and entertainment section, children will explore their creative side through topics such as theatre, photography and music. Meanwhile, the youth will enjoy documentary-making, creative writing, voice acting, film acting, screenwriting, marketing, film production, editing, visual effects makeup, storytelling, singing, podcasting and even creating digital collages.
In arts and culture, children will participate in arts and crafts, storytelling and cooking, whereas the youth will learn quilting, fashion, jewellery design, archival research, printmaking, graffiti, illustration, cooking for fine dining and more.
In science and technology, children will be taught coding, robotics, game design, astronomy, 3D printing and creating remote-controlled cars and the youth will develop games, and learn about botany and data analysis.
Finally in sports and health, while children take on basketball, football and karate, the youth will focus on callisthenics, first aid, nutrition and physical therapy.
Another highlight of Youth City is the ‘Cross-Cultural’ programme where children can learn about 15 different cultures. There will also be an open studio for artists and a Microsoft Office Specialist certificate and a marketplace to shop in and discover local businesses.
Four people will be selected for an art residency, where up-and-coming artists will be allowed to use studio space and will be instructed by professional artists belonging to Al Riwaq Art Space.
“Tamkeen is the key partner in the successes achieved by the city over the past years,” added Saud. “We are proud of this positive co-operation which has outstanding results for Bahraini youth. Many supportive entities also partner with us, whose support we highly appreciate.”
Fifteen organisations are collaborating with the ministry including Al Riwaq Art Space, Project Management Institute, AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, British Council and the US Embassy.
Free transportation will be provided to the Youth City from four places around Bahrain, one in each governorate, and event fees vary. Morning events are priced at BD5, the evening is BD10 and some activities are free.
Follow @mysbhr on Instagram and visit www.mya.gov.bh for details.
