Nine Bahraini public schools have been awarded the “Technology Incubator Schools” status according to the classification of Microsoft, after participating in the program offered by the company, alongside other schools around the world.
The scheme aims to raise the efficiency of the educational system and enhance students’ standard through an array of cutting-edge modern learning strategies that push forward digital transformation, development momentum and cultivate creativity and innovation, keeping abreast of the 21st Century skills.
The Microsoft Incubator schools is a world-standard project that aims to select schools that best implement specific criteria in incorporating technology in education.
On this occasion, the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Bahrain and Microsoft hosted a remote ceremony via Teams platform.
In attendance were General Director of Schools Affairs Dr Mohammed Mubarak Bin Ahmed; Undersecretary for Policies, Strategies and Performance Nawal Ibrahim Al Khater; Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Services Kefaya Habib Al Anzoor, Assisant Undersecretary for Education Latifa Isa Al Bunoudha, in additition to principals of the nine schools which were awarded the “Tech Incubator” status.
Microsoft was represented in the virtual ceremony by Harb Bou-Harb, Senior Director of Education, Microsoft Middle East & Africa; Ahmed Ibrahim, Modern Classroom and Microsoft Solutions Specialist and Ms. Solange Jarjour, Customer Success Manager, Microsoft.
“At Microsoft, our goal is to empower young minds to become successful, capable, and active contributors to the prosperity and development of societies”, said Bou-Harb.
“Our work in the field of education, with strategic partners like the Ministry of Education, is part of our ongoing efforts to skill-up young talent and help them achieve more – as innovators, business leaders, entrepreneurs and job creators. This partnership speaks directly to this effort and helps accelerate the digital transformation across educational institutions with relevant skilling, which is a key enabler to reshaping the world of tomorrow."
Dr Bin Ahmed congratulated the laureate schools on winning the “Tech Incubator” status, hailing the crucial partnership with Microsoft in introducting the virtual central classes.
He highlighted public schools’ online learning strides, noting the Government’s firm support to building partnerships with leading international firms, such as Mircrosoft company.
He said all public schools have grasped the use of digital platforms and the Mircosoft Teams, which had a positive impact on e-learning process and enabled the educational system to mitigate the challenges resulting from the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing the virtual event, Al Khater extended congratulations to the laureate schools that obtained the Tech Incubator status, adding that public schools in Bahrain abound in successful IT practices.
She underlined the ministry’s years-long strides in developing the necessary infrastructure which helped spearhead digital learning in the Kingdom of Bahrain in line with the goals set by the Government.
The principals of the nine schools which were awarded the “Tech Incubator” status highlighted their participation in the programme which enabled them to develop their establishments.
Shaikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Country Manager for Microsoft Bahrain and Oman, said, commenting on the event, said: “We are pleased to see the Kingdom of Bahrain at the forefront of the world's incubators of technology and digital transformation in its educational system”.
“The Government of of Bahrain recognized at an early stage the critical role of modern technologies in promoting growth, invested in cutting-edge technologies and worked on developing ICT talents”.
The achievement we see today, he said, is the fruit of 2030 Bahrain Economic Vision, which aims to provide Bahrainis with the highest possible level of education and enhance their skills to achieve their ambitions.
The Microsoft Showcase Incubator Schools are: Hidd Secondary Girls’ School; Al Malkiya Primary Intermediate Girls’ School; Nasiba bint Kaab Primary Girls’ School; Halima Al Saadiya Intermediate Girls’ School; Religious Institute Primary Boys’ School; Zanubeya Intermediate Girls’ School; Al Shorooq Secondary Girls’ School; Al Andalus Primary Girls’ School and Saar Secondary Girls’ School. -TradeArabia News Service