Manama, Feb. 17 (BNA): Al Mabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation (MKF) successfully concluded the third edition of its Ithra Buds and Ithra Youth programmes, which took place at the end of the spring break in mid-February.
This initiative reflects the success of the previous season, introduced as part of an integrated framework designed to cultivate values and leadership skills from an early age while providing both educational and developmental opportunities. The programmes also emphasise the importance of empowering a generation that is aware, confident, and ready to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to community development.
The Ithra Buds programme focuses on instilling fundamental values, developing social skills, and building self-confidence in children through interactive, age-appropriate educational methods tailored to their developmental needs. Meanwhile, the Ithra Youth programme aims to strengthen self-leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills, enabling participants to express their views, embrace responsibility, and make a positive impact around them.
Both programmes incorporate a wide range of sports and experiential activities that encourage teamwork, discipline, and a positive mindset, while also nurturing mental well-being, emotional awareness, and essential life competencies. Delivered in a safe and stimulating environment, the programmes are designed to foster cooperation and positive relationships. Each season concludes with applied assessments that measure impact, showcase the acquired skills, and enhance participants’ readiness for their upcoming academic and personal journeys.
Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at MKF, affirmed that investing in the potential of young people is among the most valuable long-term commitments a society can make. She emphasised that the Ithra programmes are developed in line with international skills benchmarks and the evolving demands of the youth, providing them with the acumen needed to become independent, make sound decisions, and shape their own futures.
The Ithra programmes are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as they offer comprehensive and sustainable educational content that integrates national values and Bahraini identity into both the curriculum and learning activities.
Both programmes are implemented in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), the Capital Governorate, the Capital Governorate Police Directorate, the Al Khalefeyah Library, chaired by Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Professor Aisha Al Sulaiti, a specialist in Bahraini cultural heritage programmes, the Bahrain Padel Academy, and Sporsista, with active involvement of Ithra programme trainers.
This comprehensive training blends life skills, national identity, and applied learning through an interactive format tailored to different age groups. By promoting experiential learning, the programmes respond to the needs of today’s youth and the expectations of tomorrow’s society.
Al Mabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation was established in 2011 as a non-profit organisation registered and licensed by the Ministry of Social Development in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Foundation strives to create a positive social impact in education and empower local talent to reach their full potential through learning opportunities that equip them with knowledge, skills, and practical experience, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the nation.
For more information about Ithra Buds or the full suite of programmes offered by MKF, please contact the Foundation at +97317499909, email Ithra@mkfbh.org, visit www.mkfbh.org, or follow the official social media channels.
H.K, A.A