NPRA Undersecretary receives Vice President of UoB for Information Technology Services

His Excellency Ministry of Interior Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence NPRA and Chairman of Anti-Violence and Addiction Maan (Together) Committee Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, received Vice President of the University of Bahrain UoB for Information Technology Services, Administrative, and Financial AffairsDr. Osama Al-Jowder. During the meeting, His Excellency received two scientific studies on the impact of the Maan "Together" Anti-Violence and Addiction Programme, which is one of the initiatives of The National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Value of Citizenship (Bahrainouna), on students in schools.

These researches mark the first collaborative scientific effort between the Ministry of Interior and the University of Bahrain, represented by the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, along with the regional "Together" Center for Research and Training. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of student behaviors and the effects of preventive curricula, as part of a comprehensive strategy to counter violence and addiction within society.

Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa commended the University of Bahrain and the "Together" Center for their contributions to community welfare and promoting safe school environments. He highlighted the importance of scientific studies in offering insights that help shape effective awareness and guidance programs, crucial for safeguarding youth from negative influences. His Excellency expressed his hope for more collaborative efforts between educational and security institutions in Bahrain, recognizing the significance of such research in advancing the Ministry of Interior's strategic goals of community safety and stability, as well as enhancing higher education and research to support Bahrain’s scientific standing both locally and internationally.

Dr. Osama Al-Jowder emphasised the University of Bahrain's commitment to supporting scientific research and sustainable solutions for social challenges, noting the value of this collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. Studying the effects of the Maan "Together" programme on students at different educational stages contributes to a safer learning environment and empowers students to make informed, positive choices. He added that the University of Bahrain continually seeks to build strong partnerships with national organisations focused on youth protection. This research represents the beginning of a series of joint studies aimed at developing innovative, sustainable solutions to combat violence and addiction in society.

Mr Ali Ahmed Amini, Director of the Anti-Violence and Addiction Programme, Maan "Together", also presented the conceptual framework for effective knowledge and skill transfer within social, awareness, and preventive programmes. He outlined how this model guides the design of numerous awareness initiatives, security education programmes, and educational materials, including methods to assess the impact of these programmes on reducing negative behaviours and risks within the community.