The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has partnered with the AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF) to sponsor ‘Watheq,’ a university preparatory programme taking place during the summer break. The initiative aims to equip high school graduates with the essential knowledge to excel in their university studies as well as ensure a successful and enjoyable university life both academically and socially.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Shaikha Hala bint Mohamed Al Khalifa, General Secretary of the Board of Trustees of AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, Ms. Saba Yousif Seyadi, Executive Director of AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, Fatima AlJar, Youth Enrichment Department Head of AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, Noora Bin Hindi, Head of Rayaat Scholarship of AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, Hisham Abu Alfateh, NBB’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mohamed Alqassimi, NBB’s Marketing & Partnership Manager and Salman Alalawi NBB’s Marketing & Partnership Specialist.
The ‘Watheq’ programme was launched in collaboration with the Kingdom’s reputable academic institutions including the American University of Bahrain, Euro University of Bahrain, University of Technology Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechnic, British University of Bahrain, and Education Zone.
The programme focuses on developing the capabilities of students to ensure their seamless transition to university life. These include choosing a major, navigating the application process, meeting university requirements, and acquiring key interpersonal skills. The comprehensive curriculum features interactive workshops, field trips, challenges, and real-life applications. These modules centre around personal development, motivation, foundational abilities, university major exploration, and career guidance. The courses were designed based on informative insights and data gathered through surveys and focus groups.
Commenting on the occasion, Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation stated, “Following 13 years of success and achievements in youth development, we are proud of the Foundation’s ongoing journey which continues to enrich the education sector in Bahrain through specialised programmes like ‘Watheq’, that act as a bridge connecting the high school and university levels. Our partnership with NBB, an institution equally dedicated to nurturing the next generation, further strengthens this mission. We are honoured to partner with the Bank as we collectively work towards empowering Bahraini youth.”
For his part, Hisham Abu Alfateh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NBB said, “Investing in the potential of the Kingdom’s youth is a cornerstone of NBB’s social responsibility objectives. The innovative ‘Watheq’ programme embodies this commitment as it equips participants with the essential resources they need to flourish in their academic journeys. We believe it will contribute to the development of our nation’s future talent, and NBB is pleased to be a part of this project.”
NBB’s sponsorship of this initiative builds upon its ongoing efforts to encourage a culture of learning and development among youth communities in Bahrain.
