Manama, Oct. 5 (BNA): Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) and Chairman of the Anti-Violence and Addiction Committee, met with Elizabeth Hattingh, Acting Deputy Chief of US Mission to Bahrain, and Riju Srimal, Political Affairs Officer. The meeting was also attended by Ali Ahmed Amini, Director of the Maan programme.
Shaikh Hisham and Hattingh discussed key issues of common interest and highlighted the strong cooperation between Bahrain and the US in implementing community projects with positive outcomes for all segments of society. He reviewed the achievements made through the implementation of the Maan programme, one of the initiatives of the national plan to promote national belonging and reinforce citizenship values (Bahrainouna). The programme’s success stems from international collaboration, particularly with the University of North Carolina, USA, to develop and execute a curriculum promoting peaceful coexistence and combating extremism. The outcomes of a field study measuring the programme’s impact on student attitudes and behaviour in schools were also discussed, emphaising the need to further strengthen and sustain these ties to align with international efforts in this field.
Elizabeth Hattingh commended the Ministry of Interior’s efforts through the Maan programme, lauding the professionalism of those involved in achieving international recognition. She highlighted Bahrain’s success in matching advanced countries in protecting youth from negative influences and equipping them with the necessary skills to face challenges, helping them make informed decisions to lead lives free from violence and addiction.
M.A., A.S.
