Goal 4
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 4: Quality Education in Bahrain and Government Initiatives
Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all and promote lifelong learning opportunities. In Bahrain, education is a top priority, with government initiatives aimed at enhancing educational standards, supporting equal access, and fostering an environment of continuous learning and innovation.
The Bahraini government’s approach to achieving SDG 4 includes several key initiatives:
Universal Access to Education: The government of Bahrain provides free primary and secondary education for all citizens, ensuring universal access to schooling from a young age. This policy helps achieve equitable access to education across socio-economic groups and supports the development of foundational skills in the population.
Enhancing Higher Education and Vocational Training: Bahrain places a strong emphasis on higher education and vocational training, with efforts to develop programs that meet the evolving needs of the labor market. The government collaborates with universities, technical institutes, and vocational training centers to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for success in Bahrain’s growing economy.
Teacher Development Programs: Bahrain’s Ministry of Education is committed to improving the quality of teaching by offering continuous professional development programs for teachers. These programs include training on modern teaching methods, digital tools, and curricula that foster critical thinking and creativity, contributing to an overall increase in education quality.
Investing in Educational Infrastructure and Technology: To create a conducive learning environment, Bahrain has invested in educational infrastructure, equipping schools with the latest technology and resources. The Ministry of Education promotes e-learning tools, interactive learning environments, and STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to ensure that students are well-prepared for the digital age.
Inclusion and Special Education: Bahrain’s educational system is inclusive, offering tailored programs for students with special needs. The government provides specialized support services and resources to ensure these students receive the necessary assistance to participate in mainstream education.
Through these initiatives, Bahrain’s government is committed to achieving SDG 4 by ensuring quality education for all, promoting equal access, and preparing students for a knowledge-based economy.
SDG 4 at Ahlia University: Advancing Quality Education
Ahlia University in Bahrain actively supports SDG 4 by fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that prioritizes quality education. The university’s approach aligns with national goals, focusing on delivering a comprehensive education that prepares students for the modern workforce.
Scholarships and Financial Support: Ahlia University offers numerous scholarships and financial aid options to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have access to quality education. These scholarships support academically outstanding students and those with financial needs, helping to increase accessibility to higher education.
Innovative Teaching and Learning: The university adopts modern teaching practices, utilizing interactive tools, digital platforms, and industry-relevant curricula. Ahlia University encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for complex global challenges. The university also promotes research-based learning, enabling students to engage in projects that contribute to academic knowledge and practical solutions.
Faculty Development Programs: Ahlia University invests in its faculty by offering professional development opportunities, ensuring that instructors are trained in the latest teaching methodologies and industry practices. This commitment to faculty growth is integral to maintaining a high standard of education.
International Collaboration and Partnerships: Ahlia University has established partnerships with institutions globally, enabling students and faculty to benefit from exchange programs, collaborative research, and cross-cultural learning experiences. These collaborations enhance educational quality by providing access to international expertise and innovative teaching approaches.
Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning: Ahlia University promotes lifelong learning through workshops, seminars, and training sessions open to the public. These initiatives encourage continuous learning among students, alumni, and the broader community, empowering individuals with skills and knowledge that support their professional growth.
Through these initiatives, Ahlia University contributes to SDG 4 by fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and student-centered educational environment. The university’s programs support Bahrain’s national goals for quality education, helping prepare students to be active, knowledgeable participants in society and the global workforce.
Library Policies
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/library/policies/
The Library is open to faculty, staff and students for use within the physical premises.
1. ACQUISITION POLICY
Instructors prepare the list of books to be ordered and the request is routed to the Dean concerned. The Dean approves the selection and forwards it to the Librarian. Once the list is passed by the Deans, the Librarian checks for any duplication and determines its appropriateness for inclusion in the Library collection.
2. CIRCULATION POLICY
Academic and administrative staff, as well as students are eligible to borrow books and other materials from the library for a specific period of time. However, reference materials, Library copy of textbooks, magazines and periodicals are considered as non-circulatory items. Students are expected to produce the valid university identity card to borrow any materials.
BORROWING PRIVILEGES
Borrowing privileges are available to faculty, staff and currently enrolled students.
CIRCULATION-BORROWER CARDS
1. Individuals must complete a registration card and receive a library barcode in order to borrow materials from the library.
2. For faculty, staff, currently enrolled students and PhD students, barcodes are attached to AU identification cards at the beginning of each semester or any other convenient time. This card must be presented to avail of all borrowing facility in library transactions. Library Department staff will create a four-digit number for the newly joined patrons.
BORROWER CONFIDENTIALITY
The Library protects the confidentiality of patrons. The library staff will not disclose information regarding any patron’s circulation record, i.e., what materials are checked out to him/her. If a book is urgently needed, the staff will attempt to contact the patron to request early return.
LOAN PERIODS AND RETURNS
Patrons who borrow materials from the library are granted the following loan periods:
STUDENTS:
10 days for General Circulations ’ 1 day for References (Textbooks’ only) and Special Collections such as (dissertation, dictionary etc... are not allowed to be taken out of Library.
PHD STUDENTS:
10 days for General Circulations ’ 7 days for References (Textbooks only) ’ Special Collections such as (dissertation, dictionary etc’ are not allowed to be taken out of Library.
STAFF MEMBERS:
10 days for General Circulations ’ 1 day for References (Textbooks only) & Special Collections such as (dissertations, dictionaries ’ etc’ are not allowed to be taken out of Library.
FACULTY:
7 days for ’ References and One Semester for General Circulations ’ Five books only, (Instructors may borrow the textbooks from the library and return them at the end of the semester). However, if an instructor continues teaching the same course in the next semester, she/he may keep the textbook until the end of that semester.) ’ Special Collections such as (dissertation, dictionaries’ etc. are allowed to be taken out of Library for the classroom purpose of use.
1. Books are checked out to the patron upon presented the ID card. Students & Staff members may check out up to three books. Faculty may check out up to five books
2. Part Time Faculty may check out up to five books only upon presenting the Personnel ID Card.
3. Materials must be returned to the Circulation Desk during Library official working hours.
POLICY HOW TO BORROW BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY ONLINE
’ Click here to search for titles online, patrons must access the Library Online Catalog (OPAC)
’ Patrons must indicate the details of the book and mobile number in their request.
’ To borrow a book from Ahlia University Library Catalog, patrons have to send an email to [email protected] (the library directorate will ONLY accept official AU E-mail address).
’ The Library Directorate will notify the patron through a call when to collect the book by presenting the patron ID card and CPR.
RENEWALS
Patrons may renew any materials borrowed from the Library provided that no other person has made a booking request for the same item. On-campus students and local patrons must present the book and a current identification card at the Circulation Desk.
HOLDS
Registered patrons of the Library may place a hold on an item that is checked out to another patron.
RESERVES
Faculty members may place materials needed for course assignments on reserve in the Library. Students may request these reserve materials from the Circulation Desk. Most reserve books are for use only in the library, unless the instructor requested a limited circulation period.
OVERDUE FINES AND LOST BOOK CHARGES
1. Materials borrowed from the Library are subject to the following overdue fines:
2. All Books overdue :100 fills per day
3. Weekends and days during which the library is closed are included when overdue fine is calculated
4. The book drop is always available for returns.
5. Overdue notices will be sent out of courtesy. Failure to receive a notice does not constitute a basis for altering or negating a fine.
6. Patrons must present their library card to pay overdue fines. Patrons will not be allowed to check out further materials until their record is cleared. Defacement or mutilation of any library material will result in a fine of 100 fils and appropriate disciplinary action. Delinquent borrowers will not be permitted to receive grades, transcripts, or other credit for work completed at University until all charges are cleared.
7. Patrons who lose books are expected to pay the replacement cost of the book at the Accounts Department and present the final receipt of payment to the circulation desk to clear their record at the Library system. Patrons who lose books are expected to pay the replacement cost of the book.
The digital Library
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/library/the-digital-library/
Ahlia University Library has always believed in providing the best available resources to its students and faculty members. Contrary to traditional physical libraries, our University Library reaches out to all its patrons on their desktop in the University campus. Ahlia University has implemented a Digital Library to cater for the needs of its students and faculties.
The Library provides access to 2,500,000 e-journals and 11,000 e-books through subscription to tens of on-line databases from various publishers such as EBSCO, IEEE Computer Society Digital Library ,Brunel University, High wire Press , OCLC ,VIRTUS INTERPRESS , ARAB INFORMATION NETWORK , Academic Journals, RESEARCH ARCHIVE , Digital Public Library of America, Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB), Eldis, Elsevier Open Access Journals, EThOS (e-Theses Online services), Google scholar, JSTOR (Journal Storage), Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), Open Access Theses and Dissertations, SpringerOpen, SSRN (Social Science Research Network), Taylor & Francis Open Journals, UNESDOC Digital Library, Virginia Tech Electronic Library, Wiley Open Access, World Bank Publications and World Digital Library across disciplines taught at the University, which strives to keep both students and faculty in touch with current academic literature. For a full list of available databases please click here. At present the Library accommodates a collection of more than 12,000 conventional books including Smart books from McGraw-Hill & Pearson across the disciplines offered by Ahlia.
In addition, postgraduate students enrolled in the Brunel PhD without Residence program, administered by Ahlia University enjoy access to the entire electronic holdings of Brunel University’s library encapsulated in a further 139 databases. The virtual library’s mission is to provide 24 hours/day 7 days/week access to patrons and strives to be the best virtual library in the Kingdom of Bahrain that uses this cutting edge technology to drive its knowledge acquisition process.
Access The Digital Library
’ List of online databases contains 85 online databases covered all the disciplines taught at the University.
’ The list itself explains the subject coverage, the patron directly can select the file required.
’ Patron can click on the related link, which will allow downloading of the list of online databases and then will require a username and password to process.
’ Usernames & Passwords are available upon request from the Librarian and next to the computer workstations at the Library.
ACCESS DETAILS FOR AHLIA UNIVERSITY ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/E-ACCESS-DETAILS-NO-PASSWORD-1-5-2022.pdf
Access Ahlia Catalog
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/library/the-digital-library/
E-Books & E-Journals
’ At the right hand side, you can see the list of online databases. Once you click on these databases it will ask for a (Username and Password).
’ Username & Password will be available upon request with the librarian and next to the computer workstations at the library department.
’ Access can be reached in and off campus.
Physical Volume - Books (General, Reference & Dissertation)
’ At the left hand side of the page you can see the Quick search & Browse areas.
’ There you can search which are the titles of books and dissertations available in the library.
Library and Information Resources Training Session
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/library-and-information-resources/
Ahlia
University’s
Library and information resources
Present a training session
Ahlia Invention Centre
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahlia-invention-centre/
A place for visionaries and future planners to redefine their business.
About the AIC
Ahlia Invention Centre is an innovation and invention fab for anyone interested in innovation and invention from the university or outside the university.
This Centre believes that the practice of innovation brings out skills within us to compete in a global environment, leading to a more prosperous society and world economy.
The purpose of the Innovation & Invention Centre is to further develop and support the community of inventor and innovative talent at the Ahlia University staff and students, and also for any innovator in Bahrain they are welcome to join the center.
The Centre will further the knowledge, spirit, and passion of innovators while providing resources for educational, social, networking, teaching, and researching events where entrepreneurial and innovative skills can be applied. This center fosters, inspires, and supports the creation of new venture opportunities, whether in an existing firm or the launch of a new firm.
Our Vision
Creating a new culture of invention and innovation in the university that allows for the development of new and existing inventors and innovators, realizing those ideas and enabling Ahlia university students and other innovators from Bahrain of the future to flourish.
Our Mission
The Kingdom of Bahrain competes internationally harnessing invention and innovation, creating original IP leading to a new order of sustainable wealth creation.
Discover New Possibilities
Creating a new culture of invention and innovation in the university that allows for the development of new and existing inventors and innovators, realizing those ideas and enabling Ahlia university students and other innovators from Bahrain of the future to flourish.
Drive innovation
Creativity is born from a need. It is a process, not a product. The best ideas don’t emerge when you’re alone ’ they might start that way, but they grow and change with input from others. New experiences, themes and inputs are the things that push you to a new level. Through a cooperation with key players from research and industry.
Where future planners and decision makers come together, excite creativity and experience the whole innovation process.
Network with experts
Sometimes you don’t need to know everything or do it on your own ’ but you have to know whom to ask! When talking about innovation, networking is a must. As a partner of the AIC you are part of an ever-growing community of industry and research partners and have the opportunity of frequent exchange with ’the real practitioners ’.
Enhance your innovation skills
In our Ahlia Invention Center we train the innovators inventors from Bahrain.
You learn how to transfer agile methods into your hardware development.
Our workshops prepare you for the future.
Check your own ’innovation readiness level’ and get answers to the questions you have in mind but don’t know whom to ask.
Equity and diversity policy of Ahlia University
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 in 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 necessary mean equal treatment as a range of interests impacting all parties need be balanced.
I. Equity and diversity among the student body is as follows:
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.
II. Equity and diversity among staff is as follows:
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. reflects 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
Equal opportunities
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.
What do we do about inclusiveness?
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.
EOC Purpose
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.
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Fairness
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Staff-Handbook_June2021_WEB_4.pdf
Fairness refers to the equitable treatment of different people, or groups, conforming to a consistent set of standards. Employees are entitled to expect fair treatment at Ahlia University and are expected to treat others fairly. That also requires employees to conduct themselves in such a way so as to ensure that Ahlia University’s reputation for fairness is sustained and enhanced all the time.
OUR STUDENT DIVERSITY
At AU we believe that all students, regardless of colour, race, religion, and physical or learning disability, have the right to the best education we can provide. Our student body comprises over 30 nationalities. At AU, we work hard to ensure that all our students are treated equally and with respect.
OUR INTERNATIONAL CULTURE
Our faculty members are from 25 different countries and possess credentials from some of the best universities in the world, ensuring we continue to work with our students to prepare them for the global market.
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