Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) aims to reduce inequality within and among countries by promoting social, economic, and political inclusion of all, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status. Bahrain is actively working toward SDG 10 by implementing policies and programs that support the inclusion and empowerment of underrepresented groups, including people of determination (persons with disabilities), low-income individuals, and marginalized communities.
Support for People of Determination: Bahrain is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for people of determination. The government provides specialized educational programs, job training, and support services tailored to individuals with disabilities. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development works to integrate people of determination into the workforce by offering incentives to companies that employ them and establishing vocational training centers designed for people with varying abilities.
Social Welfare Programs: The government offers financial assistance and social welfare services to low-income families and individuals. These programs include monthly allowances for families in need, support for housing, and healthcare subsidies. Social programs are designed to promote financial stability and improve the quality of life for those who are economically disadvantaged.
Empowerment of Women and Gender Equality: Bahrain promotes gender equality by providing equal opportunities for women in education, employment, and leadership roles. Programs led by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) support women’s economic empowerment, enabling greater participation in business and politics. The SCW also advocates for women’s rights and provides resources for their professional development, helping to address gender-based inequalities.
Access to Education for All: The government prioritizes equal access to education, offering free primary and secondary education to all citizens, including those from low-income backgrounds. Special education programs support students with disabilities, and scholarship programs for higher education are available to talented students from marginalized communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in educational opportunities.
Anti-Discrimination Policies: Bahrain has implemented anti-discrimination laws and policies to protect individuals from discrimination in the workplace, education, and society at large. These policies uphold the rights of all citizens, promoting an inclusive environment that respects diversity and equality.
Through these initiatives, Bahrain’s government is actively working to reduce inequalities by supporting underrepresented groups, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring that all citizens have access to equal opportunities.
Ahlia University in Bahrain is dedicated to supporting SDG 10 by fostering an inclusive campus environment and promoting equal opportunities for all students and staff. The university’s policies and programs are designed to ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of determination, have access to quality education and support services.
Inclusive Education for People of Determination: Ahlia University provides support for students with disabilities, offering accommodations and assistance to ensure they have equal access to education. The university has facilities and resources tailored to meet the needs of people of determination, such as accessible classrooms, assistive technology, and academic counseling. Ahlia’s inclusive approach ensures that all students can fully participate in campus life.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: The university offers scholarships and financial aid to students from low-income backgrounds, as well as merit-based scholarships for academically talented students. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers to higher education, ensuring that students from diverse economic backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals.
Gender Equality and Diversity Initiatives: Ahlia University promotes gender equality and values diversity on campus, encouraging equal participation of all students and staff in academic and extracurricular activities. The university provides leadership opportunities for women and supports initiatives that empower female students and staff. These efforts contribute to a balanced and inclusive university environment.
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Programs: The university regularly organizes workshops and events that celebrate cultural diversity and promote understanding among students from different backgrounds. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, Ahlia University creates a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or beliefs.
Supportive Community and Counseling Services: Ahlia University offers counseling services and academic support for students who may face social or economic challenges. The counseling services provide guidance for students in need, promoting mental well-being and personal development. This inclusive support system helps ensure that all students have the resources needed to thrive academically and personally.
Through these efforts, Ahlia University aligns with SDG 10 by reducing barriers to education, promoting diversity, and supporting underrepresented groups. By fostering an inclusive campus culture, the university contributes to Bahrain’s broader goal of reducing inequalities and building a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute.
https://www.linkedin.com/school/ahlia-university/posts/
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Al-Hawaj: We graduated 300 students of determination and we have inspiring success stories
His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the House of Representatives, stressed the great importance of national initiatives in supporting individuals with determination, noting the inspiring experience provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain in integrating and enabling students with special needs to succeed and advance themselves, while the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Ahlia University affirmed the success of his university over 20 years in graduating more than 300 students from this segment who wrote with their university inspiring and wonderful success stories.
This came in the opening session of the activities of the Second Forum for People with Special Needs under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the House of Representatives, which began on Wednesday morning, September 25, 2024, at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Bahrain Bay, which was organized by Ahlia University under the title "Integrating Students with Special Needs in Higher Education", in the presence of the Minister of Social Development, His Excellency Mr. Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour, a large number of members of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, officials, and a constellation of professors and researchers Executive directors, members and affiliates of Ahlia University.
In his opening speech, His Excellency the Speaker of the House of Representatives stressed that the Kingdom of Bahrain is proud to support students with special needs at all levels, as the Kingdom of Bahrain has provided an advanced experience in this context according to effective methods and methods to enable students with special needs to succeed and advance themselves, and this is achieved by preparing academics and specialists to implement high-quality and high-level outputs.
His Excellency stressed that empowering individuals with special needs is one of the priorities of the House of Representatives, noting that the Council discussed more than 55 topics related to the segment of people with special needs, stressing the continuity of cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities to achieve the desired aspirations and goals, in addition to providing the necessary services and appropriate quality job opportunities, pointing to the importance of launching a national initiative to support individuals with special needs.
His Excellency the Speaker of the House of Representatives thanked all individuals with special needs, praising all the efforts of government institutions and civil society institutions to support this category, especially Al-Ahlia University for organizing this distinguished forum.
For his part, the founding president and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ahlia University, Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj, stressed that the university, since its inception 23 years ago, has paid great attention to all segments of society, stressing that empowering people with special needs and upgrading them is a bright sign in high-end and advanced societies because of their energies that society is indispensable to benefit from and employ, pointing out that Al-Ahlia University is friendly to orphans and people with special needs, and has wonderful success stories for more than 300 graduates with special needs. Special privileged.
Some graduates of Ahlia University with special needs reviewed their success stories during their academic career at Ahlia University, and the graduates thanked Ahlia University for embracing them.
The forum's business sessions included three axes, including scientific projects and successful experiences in integrating people with special needs into the educational process, while the second axis dealt with the requirements of preparing teachers and administrators to deal with students with special needs, while the third axis dealt with policies for integrating students with special needs in institutes and universities.
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
Since inception, Ahlia University has championed equal opportunity and women empowerment. This is manifest in the University’s core values: Excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, collegiality, ambition, and engagement.
We champion inclusivity, diversity, and equity both within and outside the institution. We strive to mainstream the principle of equal opportunity in all our operations, and in relation to all stakeholders.
In 2017, Ahlia University established an Equal Opportunity Committee as part of the university’s formal governance structure. The committee is chaired by the President and oversees/advises on all issues relating to the principle of equal opportunity.
To mainstream the culture and practice of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusivity across the University in line with the Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goal 5.
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/equal-opportunity/
To promote the principle of equal opportunity through gender-responsive policy design that achieves coherent linkage with the national legislative/policy framework within the context of multilevel (international, nationally, organizational) policy frameworks on inclusion, equal opportunity and women empowerment.
’ To empower women by integrating their needs in development programs.
’ To foster a safe and supportive work environment that ensures work-life balance, life-long learning, and competitiveness for women.
’ To collaborate with allies and partners to mainstream the culture of equal opportunity to society at large.
’ To support national strategies as a progressive and model organization for women.
’ Develop a systematic and sustainable approach to equal opportunity and women empowerment through institutionalization of practice.
’ Create a centralized advisory body to oversee progress and institutionalize practice
’ Employ a targeted approach vis-’-vis professional development, capacity-building, and up-skilling programs to redress gender imbalance issues
Initiative 2
’ Leverage partnerships for knowledge sharing and exchange of best practice in the areas of equal opportunity and women empowerment.
’ Organise conferences/symposia with a focus on equal opportunity and/or women topics
’ Develop a common understanding and framework with local and international partners on topics related to equal opportunity and women in STEM
Initiative 3
’ Champion the principle of equal opportunity through awareness campaigns, activities, and events.
’ Plan and organise women-focused events for students and staff
’ Develop gender-responsive policies that foster work-life balance and life-long learning
’ Develop and utilise data collection instruments to gauge and measure awareness/impact
In the course of student participation in the educational life at the university, academic and non-academic, Ahlia University is committed to a discrimination-free learning environment for all students -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability -- . based on principles of fairness and equity.
’ To foster a safe and supportive work environment that ensures work-life balance, life-long learning, and competitiveness for women.
’ To collaborate with allies and partners to mainstream the culture of equal opportunity to society at large.
’ To support national strategies as a progressive and model organization for women.
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Admission-Policy-from-the-student-guide.pdf
After knowing this, the student must take into account the documentation that is necessary to make the application to the University, here we can determine that there is no bias with the women who make the application.
As a higher educational institution Ahlia University is committed to maintain equity amongst its diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The University ensures that all members of the university community are treated equitably and with respect ın accordance with the following definitions:
Diversity: Appreciation and acknowledgement of differences amongst the members of the university community that promote acceptance and belonging, regardless of factors that span age, color, disability, employment status, ethnic or national origins, language, family status, marital status, race, religious or spiritual belief, gender, socio-economic circumstances and taste.
Equity: A standard of treatment of people that involves reasonable efforts to ensure fairness in decisions impacting all members of the university community. However, equitable treatment does not necessarily mean equal treatment as a range of interests impacting all parties need be balanced.
Ahlia University believes that all students, regardless of color, race, religion, and physical or learning disability, have the right to the best education. Admission to Ahlia University is selective based on prior academic achievement. The most qualified candidates -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability -- will be selected to fill the available places. In the course of student participation in the educational life at the university, academic and non-academic, Ahlia University is committed to a discrimination-free learnıng environment for all students -- regardless of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, sect or disability. based on principles of fairness and equity’[3].
Ahlia strives to treat its staff fairly by maintaining a healthy, safe and productive work environment which is free from discrimination based on any other factor that is unrelated to Ahlia legitimate interests. Ahlia shall not tolerate any offensive, intimidating or inappropriate statements or behavior undermining equity ın the work environment. Harassment in all its manifestations is prohibited. Committed to applying an effective recruitment policy that is based on the principles of equity and fairness, and equal employment opportunity, Ahlia shall ensure to identify, efficiently and effectively, the right candidates for vacancies in Ahlia and recruitment shall be based on qualifications, experience, and merit. Supervisors and managers are expected to ensure that work-related decisions regarding task allocation, compensation, performance evaluations, the administration of Ahlia benefits et. al. reflect principles of fairness and equity.
The University mandates that members of the University community pay heed to applicable codes of conduct as well as to the University’s Anti-Harassment Policy.
Pdf attached in evidence file
Having identified the nature of his/her disability or special need, the student, after having been provisionally admitted to the University, will be interviewed by the Special Needs
Admission Committee, that includes a representative from:
a. A faculty member who has some background in the medical field
b. Admissions - Directorate of Admission and Registration.
c. Guidance/Counseling- Directorate of Counseling
d. Advising- potential department Chairperson or member
e. Nurse (when available)
1. If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the University can accommodate the kind of disability or special need with which the student is encumbered, the student will be granted admission to the University, with a recognized disability or special need, after taking in to account the needs and the requirements of the academic program the student is applying to. Thus, making it possible for the student to avail of all the privileges/benefits conferred to students with special needs as contained herein.
2. If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the student does not have a known disability or special need, then the student will be granted ordinary admission ’ in which case the student cannot avail of all the privileges/benefits conferred to students with special needs as contained herein.
3. If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the student has a known disability or special need but which the University cannot feasibly accommodate, the student will be denied admission and the provisional admission will be rescinded. The University is not responsible for any costs the student may have incurred, of any sort, by reliance on the provisionally offered admission.
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/facilities-and-support-for-special-need-students/
Ahlia University is equally inclusive to special needs students and non-special needs students. Students with special needs are welcomed to apply in all Ahlia University programmes. Admission of students with special needs is done through a special needs admission committee, which assess the potential of candidates to succeed in their chosen academic programme.
Special needs students are given support and guidance by Ahlia University faculty and staff, Directorate of Student Activities and Services and Directorate of Student Counselling. The university has a special needs committee that is responsible to pursue the welfare of all students with special needs.
In the case of undeclared special needs or in the case of a new development of any kind of special needs, the university’s special needs committee, faculty and staff at Ahlia University will endeavour to identify the special needs and will support students and their needs.
1. Car Park: AU provides, where possible, special car parking slots for disabled students and students with special needs,
2. Bathrooms: AU provides suitable bathrooms for disabled students and students with special needs,
3. Entrances: AU provides suitable ramps on entrances as well as railings and elevator services (where appropriate) for disabled students and students with special needs,
4. Classrooms: Where needed, especially designed seating facilities in classrooms and labs are provided.
AU will not provide a medical treatment for students with special needs. Rather, every effort will be made to provide these students with guidance to obtain medical treatment in public and private facilities in proximity to the University. The university has a full time nurse in the campus for any consultation and emergencies.
1. Assistive Devices: AU will allow students with special needs to use assistive devices in classrooms and labs and, where possible, will provide some supportive or adaptive devices that will help them learn better,
2. Support in classrooms and labs: AU will respond adequately to the kind of impairment that the special needs student The impairments could be physical (like visual impairment or hearing impairment) or mental such as certain disorders (autism or epilepsy or others).
1. Location and Duration of Exam: Where needed, the students with special needs will be provided with a separate location in a suitable environment to write the exam. Where necessary, additional exam time as appropriate will be provided for students with special needs to complete their exams,
2. At all times, discretion in dealing with students with special needs is observed; an example would be if there is tardiness on arrival or difficulty in reaching the exam room,
3. Where needed, we will provide necessary support for the student special needs to complete the exam and this support could be, for example, in the form of note-taking (or other).
Ahlia University strives to offer a healthy and enriching environment to support, guide, and encourage students with special needs to participate in general student activities within the university and/or beyond. We encourage all students to participate in local, regional, and international events that are designed to celebrate the achievements of all students in addition to events specifically designed for students with special needs.
AU Application Form has a specific section for students to fill if they have any special needs support Special needs is an underrepresented group- Special needs students are given support and guidance by Ahlia University faculty and staff, Directorate of Student Activities and Services, and Directorate of Student Counselling. Further, a special needs committee was created to specifically look after the welfare of the students with special needs.
The student, after having been provisionally admitted to the University, will be interviewed by the special needs admission committee.’ If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the University can accommodate the kind of disability or special need with which the student is encumbered, the student will be granted admission to the University. Thus, making it possible for the student to avail of all the privileges/benefits conferred to disabled students and students with special needs as contained herein.
Students with a disability or special need ought to disclose the nature of their disability on the AU admissions application form.
’Any student who fails to notify the University
’ Waives any right that would otherwise have been obtained as per to this policy.
’ If assessed, based on the Universities sole discretion, that accommodating the nature of the disability or special need is posing hardship or risk to the University, then the student in question may be subject to having his/her registration cancelled and admission annulled.
’ Should registration be cancelled, pursuant to ’b’ above, the students forfeits all fees and tuition having been paid to the University.
If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the University can accommodate the kind of disability or special need with which the student is encumbered, the student will be granted admission to the University, with a recognized disability or special need. Thus, making it possible for the student to avail of all the privileges/benefits conferred to disabled students and students with special needs as contained herein. If the Committee, by majority vote, determines that the student does not have cognizable disability or special need, then the student will be granted ordinary admission ’ in which case the student cannot avail of all the privileges/benefits conferred to disabled students and students with special needs as contained herein.
https://www.facebook.com/ahliauniversitybh/posts/1076227612760846
Organized by the Professional Development Unit and the College of Business Administration, a lecture was held (Employing the E-Learning Environment to Support People with Special Needs During the Challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic) by Dr. Osama Al Mahdi, Assistant Professor at the Bahrain Teachers College, via the application (Ms. Teams) [4]
As the lecture dealt with the concept of special needs and distance education. In addition, examples of applications of the e-learning environment for special needs and open university courses to support continuous distance education were reviewed.
Ahlia University policy allows equal access to different mentoring programs, along with support for students with disabilities - special needs supporting their social, emotional and academic needs.
The direction of counselgeria ensures that teachers and staff are aware of the needs and adaptations of students by promoting inclusion and confidentiality (based on the recommendations of SNAC) staff and faculty host an information session on the means to work with Special students, in turn, are recruited to improve support services.
The Admission Process for Persons with Disabilities at Ahlia University Disability collaborates with students with disabilities to ensure equal access to all programs through a fair admissions process that determines a candidate's eligibility based on their chances of completing the undergraduate or degree process. The admissions process at Ahlia University is non-discriminatory. Ahlia university works with the students with disabilities to create an accessible and supportive environment, securing the necessary accommodations from academic departments and, if needed, other offices. Academic accommodations are provided to students with disabilities by their individual professors within the academic departments. Accommodations will be considered reasonable when they do not fundamentally alter the nature of a program, course, or service or present an undue administrative burden on the University. Students requesting accommodations are required to submit documentation to verify eligibility.
Ahlia University has the next funding strategies for persons with disabilities
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Student-Handbook-MAR19-RFW.pdf
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Ahlia University has financing strategies for people with disabilities which are recognized by the Ministry of Social Development and have their "disability card" they receive a 50% discount on the Ahlia University fee, they can receive installment payment options of pension and remaining fees, or full scholarship from the Ministry of Education.
Regarding strategies for people with disabilities, the kingdom has developed "the national strategy for people with disabilities" which focuses on improving the promotion and protection of the human rights of people with disabilities.
The strategy provided by the kingdom includes government sectors, NGOs, the private sector, professional groups, educators, advocates and society in general; providing guidance to move forward in a way that ensures the inclusion of people with disabilities, with a focus on human rights. In accordance with this, various laws and resolutions have been issued that ensure the government's commitment to support these people.
Ahlia University offers a limited number of scholarships each year for undergraduate studies to outstanding students, who have no other means to finance their studies these scholarships allow applicants regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, physical or learning disability. Scholarships are awarded with a 50% grant: 50% loan through a competitive application process. The university prioritizes applicants with the most opportunities for success based on aptitude, academic achievement, and motivation. ’Funding scholarships can also be accessed by applicants with disabilities in which case they must demonstrate eligibility according to their opportunity for completion of studies either undergraduate or graduate, the applicant must submit medical documents attesting to their disability.
https://www.bahrain.bh/new/en/govsocialsupport-disabilities_en.html
Bahrain pays considerable attention to people with special needs, preserving their rights as equal members of society. The Kingdom values the role they play as contributors to society and in supporting SDG efforts.
Bahrain’s constitution guarantees the rights, enacting laws to protect and support them.
The Kingdom’s National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities includes guidelines and plans covering the government sector, civil society institutions, companies, private institutions, the teaching and legal professions, and society as a whole.
The strategy obligates civil society to adopt practices that guarantee the dignified and respectful treatment of people with disabilities, ensuring that they remain an essential part of society. The state protects their human rights by removing barriers to equality and eliminating all forms of discrimination.
A Higher Committee for Persons with Disabilities was formed in accordance with the Law on Persons with Disabilities in Bahrain. It is headed by the Minister of Labour and Social Development, with the membership of senior officials from the Government, civil society, and the private sector. Several laws and official decisions have been issued, which reaffirm the government's commitment.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Development is the government entity responsible for matters related to people with disabilities. It coordinates with the public and private sectors to facilitate access to services such as social allowances, transportation, including public transport, public utilities, health care, education, rehabilitation, career development, sports, and more.
Most Government entities and civil society institutions offer people with disabilities special care, providing them with social support, healthcare, and cultural activities, in addition to training and rehabilitation, and helping them to become more integrated into society and the labour market.
https://twitter.com/AsharqiaBer/status/1695696753318633737
His Excellency the Secretary General #بر_الشرقية visited the introductory platform of the Bahraini National University in Dhahran, to participate in the launch of its social initiative by offering special discounts on tuition fees to beneficiaries of associations and people with special needs at the bachelor's and master's levels, and to discuss ways of cooperation and strengthening relations between the two parties.
@ahliauniversity
The President of Ahlia University, Professor Mansour Al-Aali, noted that disabled people receive special care and attention the academic and administrative bodies of the university. They also receive partial scholarships of 50% of the tuition fees, which is what made Ahlia university the most attractive among universities to this segment of society.
prof. Al-Aali praised the campaign launched by the Bahraini Association for Parents of the Disabled, which included collecting and recycling of plastics to benefit from its revenue in providing special chairs for the disabled.
For his part, the President of the Bahraini Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled affirmed his pride in the prestigious status of Ahlia University and the role played by the university in supporting and assisting the disabled and their families, noting the successes achieved by the university in graduating dozens of students with disabilities in the past years, expressing the association’s desire for more cooperation with the university.
Ahlia University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bahraini Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, with the aim of achieving fruitful cooperation between them on the basis of mutual benefit and common interests, in accordance with the laws and regulations in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Ahlia University was represented by the President of the University, Professor Mansour Al-Aali, and the Bahraini Society for Parents and Friends of the Disabled was represented by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Jassim Muhammad Siyadi.
This agreement comes within the framework of both parties’ desire to activate the role of cooperation between them, and bilateral cooperation in the field of supporting students with disabilities, that is through exchanging invitations to participate and attend events held by the two parties, and the university provided support for the activities of the Bahraini Association for Parents of the Disabled and their friends by collecting plastic materials in all University facilities and presenting them to the association for recycling in order to contribute to the purchase of the largest possible number of wheelchairs for specific cases of people with disabilities, in addition to organizing joint activities aimed at enhancing the opportunities of enabling students with disabilities from completing their university education.
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/ice-cream-social/
The College of Business and finance cordially invites you to the ’Ice Cream Social’ on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 3:30 PM in the gosi parking area. to express our gratitude for being a part of Ahlia University’s Success in collecting two tons of plastic for the benefit of people with disability.
The event serves as a perfect opportunity for us to express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contribution to Ahlia University’s Success! Your dedication and support in collecting an astounding two tons of plastic for the benefit of people with disabilities have left a lasting impact on our community.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.
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