Manama, September 1 /BNA/ – The Al-Mabarrah Al-Khalifia Foundation concluded the second edition of its “Wathiq” program aimed at preparing high school graduates for university, in the presence of Mrs. Sarah Ahmed Buhajji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

The program, held over July and August 2025, saw the participation of more than 60 students.

The second edition of “Wathiq” was supported by the National Bank of Bahrain and in cooperation with several entities, foremost among them the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, alongside prestigious educational institutions such as the University of Bahrain, Teachers College, European University of Bahrain, American University of Bahrain, and University of Strathclyde Bahrain.

Companies and institutions from various sectors also contributed to launching the program, including BION Company, Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company, Rashid Abdulrahman Al-Zayani Charitable Foundation, Al-Kooheji Charitable Foundation, Education Zone Company, and Qalam Company. Additionally, collaboration was established with Dr. Badr Sami Al Omran, a specialist in neuro-radiology.

The “Wathiq” program targeted the age group 16-18 years from high school students, focusing on enhancing core and personal skills and developing the knowledge necessary to prepare them for a successful and enjoyable university life academically and socially.

To achieve these goals, a wide range of interactive workshops were organized on various topics such as self-development, motivation, university majors, and career exploration. All participants received accredited certificates at the program’s conclusion.

The program also included practical projects, field visits, exceptional challenges, recreational activities, documentary screenings, and a treasure hunt event.

Dialogue sessions and motivational seminars aimed to refine the participants’ core skills and ensure their readiness for university.

On this occasion, Her Highness Sheikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Al-Mabarrah Al-Khalifia Foundation, expressed her happiness with the program’s outcomes over the past two months, affirming the foundation’s determination to continue empowering the youth through sustained efforts, effective partnerships, and initiatives that contribute to developing their skills to become active members serving their community and country in the future. She praised the pivotal role of the supporting entities and companies, foremost among them the National Bank of Bahrain.

For his part, Mr. Othman Ahmed, CEO of the National Bank of Bahrain Group, said: “We take upon ourselves the mission of supporting programs that prepare Bahraini youth for academic excellence and pave the way for them to enter the labor market with confidence. Our support for the ‘Wathiq’ program confirms our institutional commitment to contributing to the establishment of a workforce that supports the kingdom’s growth and enhances its long-term competitiveness. We wish all these students success and look forward to them becoming competent and ambitious individuals working diligently to drive progress in the future.”