Education & Training Quality Authority's 10th anniversary ceremony was held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training in the presence of His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and the first Chairman of the BQA Board of Directors, Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Fadhel, Chairman of the BQA Board of Directors, and Mr. Kamal Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation & Telecommunications, Vice Chairman, along with a number of ministers and officials of the State and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his speech, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa stressed that: 'BQA is a paradigm shift of education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. As one of education and training development initiatives, it shapes the future of education across the Kingdom and institutionalizes its position at the regional and international levels. Praise be to God and thanks to the royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the support of HRH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and the direct follow-up of HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, we were able to achieve the goals of the wide vision for education and training system and reap the fruits of a 'Decade of Development' now.
His Highness added that 'Education is the balance of civilization, progress and prosperity', pointing to the year of 2005 in which ideas for the development of education and training sectors were raised and in 2008 they were translated into development initiatives and projects aiming to achieve the Kingdom's values and visions to shape a brighter future for the Kingdom of Bahrain through quality education.'
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa stressed that: 'A new stage in the Kingdom of Bahrain's education system was started by the establishment of the BQA by assessing and reviewing the performance of the education and training institutions.' His Highness also pointed out the BQA achievements within 10 years during which 20 memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed at the local and international levels to transfer models and experiences; 32 sets of review reports of government and private schools, higher education institutions and training providers were published, and 10 sessions of national examinations for various stages of education were conducted; not to mention the NQF milestones; the latest of which was referencing the Bahrain's NQF with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).'
The Kingdom of Bahrain confidently began its process of the development of education and training system stressing the renewal of its education renaissance, which commenced a century ago with the establishment of Al-Hedaya Al-Khalifiya Secondary Boys School as the first government school founded in 1919. Next year, we will mark the 100th anniversary of the beginnings of formal education in Bahrain by undertaking substantial efforts to date, whereas high-caliber personnel have demonstrated the ability to advance the nation in a competitive field that believes in man, his mind, and knowledge he acquires,' His Highness added.
On his part, Mr. Kamal Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation & Telecommunications, BQA Vice Chairman said: 'It is a privilege and pride to be part of this national edifice, which was not established by promises or dreams, but by faithful deeds and national visions embodied and implemented by Bahraini talents that were able to change reality and gained respect locally, regionally and internationally.'
In his welcome speech at the ceremony, Mr. Kamal said that the BQA inauguration, its first seed and the launch of its initiative have been guided by the conviction of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in both word and deed, with the support of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, for the success and advancement of the initiative as part of an integrated project for the development of education and training, which was administered by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa with all sincerity, generosity, dedication and competence.
On her part, Dr. Jawaher Shaheen Al Mudhahki, Chief Executive Officer of the Education and Training Quality Authority, extended all due gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, for his profound vision for the development of education and training system. She also extended her sincere thanks and gratitude to the wise government led by HRH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, to HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training for their endless support for the enhancement of the BQA since its inception in 2008 and their follow-up of its activities to reach its full potential and realize the national achievements establishing a high position which we are proud of and be part of the comprehensive development process in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Dr. Al Mudhahki also congratulated the leadership of the country on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Authority, which has been able, by the Grace of God, and the care and support it received since its first steps, to be up to the standard and responsibility entrusted to it, and achieve the objectives of the education and training development project. This is to guide the education and training institutions to the path of quality through the efforts of the chairmen and members of the Board of Directors of the Authority since its establishment, in cooperation with the strategic partners and the efficiency of the BQA staff members, and their dedicated efforts to serve their beloved country.
Dr. Jawaher Shaheen Al Mudhahki, Chief Executive Officer of the Education and Training Quality Authority, delivered a presentation of the progress of the Education and Training Development Project in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the most important milestones in the history of the Authority since its establishment until 2018. She discussed the idea of the National Reform Project and the objectives of education and training development initiative to provide quality education.
The event included a presentation titled "External Quality Assurance - Towards a Knowledge-Based- Economy" by the international expert Mr. Peter Sheung, who praised Bahrain's experience in the field of education development and quality assurance practices based on the wise vision of the Reform Project of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the interest of the visionary government. He pointed out that the establishment of the BQA as an independent assessment body governed and guided by the Council of Ministers and its review reports had paved the way to assure the quality of education and training institutions and drive them to improve their performance. This is in addition to the establishment of the National Qualifications Framework, which is one of the first models in the region.
The patron of the ceremony, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, launched the BQA Book titled 'Decade of Development", which tackles the history of the Authority over ten years and the stages of its establishment since 2008 to celebrate today a 10-years of success of education system that promises a bright future for our beloved country.
His Highness also inaugurated the new website of the Authority, which is a friendly-user and updated along with Arabic and English contents. In addition, His Highness distributed commemorative shields to the international key speaker, and the chairmen and members of the Board of Directors of the Authority.
During the ceremony Mr. Kamal Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation & Telecommunications, BQA Vice Chairman honoured 32 senior employees who have completed ten years of service.
