SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION

Ahlia University (Bahrain) has actively engaged in educational outreach beyond campus over the past five years, through both programmed initiatives and ad hoc activities. These outreach efforts include partnerships with local communities and schools, awareness campaigns on health and environment, and student-led voluntary programs. Below is a comprehensive overview, organized by category:

Ahlia University's Community and Educational Outreach

Outreach to Schools and Prospective Students

High School Visits:

Ahlia University representatives visit local secondary schools to raise awareness and build partnerships with educational institutions. For example, Ahlia teams have visited Al-Fateh Secondary School for Boys and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Isa Al Khalifa Industrial High School for Boys as part of outreach to prospective students. These visits allow high schoolers to learn about university programs and ease their transition to higher education.

Al-Ahlia University Visit to Al-Fateh Secondary School for Boys

University Fairs and Exhibitions:

The university participates in educational fairs beyond campus to reach future students. Ahlia took part in a Universities Exhibition at the Alumni Club, showcasing its programs to the community. Likewise, in August 2023 Ahlia joined a university expo at Seef Mall, where Bahrain's higher education institutions set up booths and a panel discussion on AI was held for the public. Such events are often under the patronage of national education authorities and attract many school students and parents.

Ahlia University participates in the universities exhibition at the Alumni Club

A University Exhibition and an Accompanying Panel Discussion

"Under the patronage of the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Al-Bilad newspaper organized a university exhibition and an accompanying panel discussion. The event was attended by university presidents and leaders of higher education institutions. It took place on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the Seef Complex in Manama.

On behalf of the minister, Dr. Diana Abdul Karim Al-Juhrami, the Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council, inaugurated the Al-Bilad University Exhibition. The panel discussion focused on the topic of artificial intelligence as one of the university disciplines that provides promising job opportunities in the job market.

The exhibition is open today, Saturday, at the Seef Complex (Gate No. 1)."

Regional Outreach Platforms

Ahlia has extended outreach regionally as well. It established an information platform in Dhahran Complex (Saudi Arabia) to engage with prospective students in the Gulf. This Ahlia booth was open to mall visitors on weekends, providing details about the university's offerings.

Ahlia University platform is located in the Dhahran Complex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Al-Ahlia University platform is located in the Dhahran Complex in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are available from Thursday to Sunday at the Dhahran Complex, near Starbucks, Gate Number 1.

Community Partnerships and National Engagement

Partnerships with Civil Society:

Ahlia University fosters partnerships with community organizations as a strategic priority. It hosts consultative meetings with civil society institutions to collaborate on education and training opportunities. In 2022, the Deanship of Student Affairs organized the 11th Consultative Meeting with civil, charity, professional, and social societies. Founding President Prof. Abdulla Al-Hawaj emphasized that civil society groups are "key partners in success," noting Ahlia's support for these organizations in education and research. Community leaders at the meeting called for even more partnerships to enhance educational and training opportunities for youth.

The 11th Consultative Meeting with Civil Society Institutions

Success Stories Have Been Achieved Through Cooperation with Civil Society Institutions

The Deanship of Students Affairs organized the 11th consultative meeting, conducted at Awal Ballroom at Gulf Hotel, and attended by several representatives and the leaderships, academic faculties and members of Ahlia University, as well as chairpersons of civil, charity, professional, social societies.

Prof. Abdulla Al-Hawaj, the Founding President of Ahlia University, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stressed on the strategic importance of providing education for everyone, in line with the United Nations sustainable development goals and Bahrain vision 2030, noting the role of civil society institutions in supporting the universities and educational institutions to achieve their goals.

The meeting included honoring the civil society institutions due to its role in community service and its positive cooperation with Ahlia University. Prof. Al-Hawaj said that the civil society institutions are the key partners in success, stressing that Ahlia University provided support to these institutions, especially in education and research fields.

Many Chairpersons of civil societies called for more partnerships and collaborations with Ahlia University in order to enhance the educational and training opportunities for community members especially the youths.

National Events and Exhibitions:

The university contributes to national and community events. Ahlia has participated in celebrations of Bahrain's National Action Charter anniversary, including a public "Carnival of Cars" and related festivities organized by the Ministry of Education. By taking part in such government-hosted events, Ahlia strengthens its ties with the community and demonstrates civic engagement beyond campus.

The Carnival of Cars

The participation of the National University in the carnival of cars held within the celebrations of the Ministry of Education on the anniversary of the National Action Charter.

Career Expos Linking to Industry:

As a regular programmed event, Ahlia holds an annual Career Day/Expo on campus -- an event that, while on campus, serves the broader community by inviting employers and institutions. For instance, the 12th Career Day in 2024 welcomed over 70 companies, ministries, and organizations to meet students and graduates. This kind of exhibition-style event builds bridges between academia and industry (economic and industrial sectors) and is often officiated by government ministers, underscoring its importance. It provides an opportunity for community employers to recruit and for students to gain insight into the job market.

Minister of Labor Inaugurates Career Day at Ahlia University

Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, inaugurated the 12th Career Day at Ahlia University, accompanied by the Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Abdulla Al-Hawaj, and the President of the University, Professor Mansoor Alaali. The University welcomed and received students and graduates from various institutes and universities, with the participation of more than 70 ministries, institutions, and companies.

On this occasion, Professor Abdulla Al-Hawaj, emphasized that the presence and participation of Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour, in the inauguration of Career Day underscores the government's commitment, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to support all governmental and private efforts aimed at providing the youth with suitable education, training, and employment opportunities.

Professor Al-Hawaj praised the efforts of the Ministry of Labour in empowering Bahraini youth, enhancing their skills, and providing them with dignified job opportunities that match their abilities and capabilities. He stated that the 12th edition of Career Day reflected the University's commitment to linking its students and graduates with the labour market and its evolving needs.

Mr. Hussein Mohammed Habib, Director of Professional Relations at Ahlia University, confirmed that Career Day attracts many students and graduates, emphasizing that the University strives to introduce new elements to this event each year. Mr. Habib pointed out that the number of participating ministries, institutions, and companies this year has exceeded 70, including public and private sector entities, such as government institutions, banking institutions, telecommunications companies, hospitality services, representatives from the retail sector, oil and industrial companies, and several vocational training institutions.

The Deanship of Student Affairs, through its Professional Relations Directorate, regularly organizes workshops and training courses focusing on professional aspects to equip the University's students and graduates from various specializations with the necessary skills to enter the labour market.

Ad Hoc National Service Initiatives:

Ahlia University also responds to national needs through ad hoc volunteering drives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the university leadership and community quickly volunteered in the national campaign against the coronavirus. Prof. Al-Hawaj announced that Ahlia's professors, staff, students, and alumni stood ready to serve, encouraging all members to join the national effort. He highlighted that volunteering in such crises is a duty of loyalty to the country, and the university took pride in the large number of its community who stepped up to help. This reflects Ahlia's ethos of partnership with national initiatives beyond academics.

'Al-Ahlia' expresses its readiness to volunteer in the national campaign to combat Corona

Professor Al-Hawaj, Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, announced eligibility for his application to volunteer to work in the national campaign against Corona virus, expressing confidence that a large number of teachers and employees, the students and graduates of the Ahlia University were also quick to do so, and that the university. It encourages all its members to do so, of course, as affiliation.

This country and loyalty to its wise leadership are two main pillars of the foundations of education and character building, whether in the private university or in our various universities and other national institutions. He added: We are proud that a large number of our professors and employees hurriedly demanded that we progress to volunteer to work in the national campaign to combat the Corona virus, it is a duty compelled by our belonging to this dear homeland and our loyalty to its leadership.

The university with all its professors, staff and students are available to serve this dear country in this exceptional circumstance during what the whole world is going through.

Health and Wellness Awareness Campaigns

Bahrain Sports Day:

Ahlia University actively promotes public health and well-being by joining nationwide events. It participates in Bahrain's annual Sports Day, a country-wide initiative each February to encourage fitness. Notably, on Bahrain Sports Day 2020 (Feb 11), Ahlia students and staff took part alongside other institutions. In 2019, Ahlia organized a campus "walking" event open to the community as part of the national Sports Day celebrations. These programmed yearly events show Ahlia's commitment to community wellness beyond the campus.

Bahrain's Sports Day

The Kingdom of Bahrain organized Bahrain Sports Day on February 11, 2020, in accordance with the decision of their Highnesses Presidents of the GCC National Olympic Committee at their meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to have a national sports day in the second week. February in all GCC countries, with the participation of Ahlia'[20].

World Diabetes Day:

The university has contributed to health awareness campaigns in the community. For example, Ahlia students participated in Bahrain's World Diabetes Day ceremony at Princess Sabeeka Park in Awali on November 16, 2019. At this public event -- held under the theme "Family and Diabetes" -- health officials stressed prevention and the rising impact of diabetes, and Ahlia's involvement helped spread the message on a national stage.

World Diabetes Day

On November 16, a ceremony was held at the Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Park in Awali marking World Diabetes Day which falls on the 14th of November'[23].

The SCH chief addressed the ceremony marking World Diabetes Day, being held this year under the theme: 'Family and Diabetes'. He stressed the crucial role of the family in promoting prevention from the disease. He warned against the alarming increase of the prevalence of diabetes in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has health, social and economic repercussions on the community and threatens national sustainable development, where the Ahlia students participated.

"Think Pink" Breast Cancer Campaign:

Ahlia also runs or co-hosts health education events. In October 2019, the University's Student Services department, in collaboration with Al-Kindi Hospital, organized a "Think Pink" breast cancer awareness campaign on campus. The event was educational and open for participation -- it included an awareness lecture, free health tests (e.g. blood sugar, BMI), and consultations with a nutritionist. This programmed annual campaign (held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month) aimed to educate both the university and the wider public about prevention and early detection.

Think Pink - Breast Cancer Awareness

Activities in favor of the self-examination to avoid breast cancer was carried out at Ahlia University on October 23, 2019'[28]. In collaboration with Al-Kindi Hospital, the Director of Student Services & Activities was organized the 'Think Pink' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. The aim of this event was to support the effort in raising breast cancer awareness, education, and care.

The program included the following activities:

• Awareness Lecture.
• Free medical tests (weight, blood sugar, BMI)
• Consultation with a nutritionist

Campus Marathon and Wellness:

As an initiative to promote healthy lifestyles, Ahlia developed an on-campus Marathon event for students and staff, creating a space for physical activity and well-being. While primarily for the university community, it reflects Ahlia's broader goal to instill healthy habits, which aligns with national wellness objectives. (The Marathon can be seen as an ad hoc activity in response to the need for fitness engagement.)

Marathon (Sport Event)

Ahlia University wants its students and staff to lead a life of health and well-being, in this sense it develops the marathon, an activity to create spaces for physical activity.

Environmental and Cultural Outreach Initiatives

Environmental Awareness Competitions:

Ahlia University encourages student involvement in environmental sustainability beyond campus. It has participated in events like the Inter-Collegiate Environmental Public Speaking Competition organized by the Emirates Environmental Group (a GCC-wide contest). This competition -- aimed at fostering an "environmentally-conscious generation" and positive attitude change among youth -- brings together teams from many universities. Ahlia's participation in such forums (e.g. sending student teams to compete on topics of climate, resource sustainability, etc.) demonstrates outreach in the environmental awareness arena.

Ahlia University's Participation in the 15th Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition, organized by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG)

The Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition was held for the first time in 2001 and since then has proven to be highly popular across the GCC region. Its primary aim is to ensure sustainability of environmental resources by promoting a positive attitude change among the young in our societies and establishing an environmentally-conscious generation. The 2015 cycle was held on November 23rd - 24th 2016 at Dubai Knowledge Village. Fifty-seven teams representing Gulf universities, colleges of higher and further education participated in the competition.

Community Educational Exhibitions:

The university supports community educational and cultural events as part of its outreach. For instance, Ahlia was a sponsor and participant in Al-Wasat newspaper's Used Books Fair -- a public event promoting reading. At the 5th Used Books Fair in April 2017, Ahlia's founding president attended and the university provided a Gold Sponsorship to the fair, underscoring its belief in the importance of reading in society. Prof. Al-Hawaj noted that the large public turnout "proves that Bahrainis are highly intellectual and love to read," reinforcing why Ahlia invested in this community educational initiative. The university even received an award for its support of the fair.

The Active Participation of Ahlia University in the Used Books Fair

Al Hawaj: Bahrainis are Educated, Cultured and Value Books

Al Wasat's 5th Used Books Fair successfully concluded on April 22nd, 2017, after witnessing the attendance of hundreds of reading enthusiasts and book lovers. Among those who visited the fair was Ahlia University's Founding President, Prof. Abdullah Al Hawaj. 'I would like to congratulate Al Wasat Newspaper for the success of the fair and for organizing it for the fifth consecutive time. The fair clears the misconceptions about Bahrainis not enjoying reading, which is a false notion.' Prof. Al Hawaj pointed out that the influx of book enthusiasts to the fair proves that Bahrainis are highly intellectual and love to read and thrive to learn. 'We were keen to extend a gold sponsorship to the fair because of our firm belief in the importance of reading,' Prof. Al Hawaj concluded.

Public Festivals and Exhibits:

Ahlia organizes or partakes in various public-facing events on an ad hoc basis. In March 2019, for example, the university held an Outdoor Food Festival at GOSI Mall (a popular Manama shopping center). This community festival -- featuring food booths and cultural activities -- allowed Ahlia students to engage with the public outside campus in a fun, informal setting. Similarly, Ahlia's students have showcased their entrepreneurial projects in exhibitions (e.g. the 2025 "Fanar" Entrepreneurship Exhibition on campus was open to industry and community visitors). These events blur the line between campus and community, inviting public participation and forging partnerships (for example, local businesses or ministries often attend such exhibitions).

Ahlia Outdoor Food Festival

Event Details:

• Start Date: 23/03/2019
• Time: 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• Location: GOSI Mall

Student-Led Volunteering and Social Initiatives

Voluntary and Social Work Programs:

Ahlia University encourages its students to undertake voluntary, charitable, and social projects as part of their education. The Student Activities Department regularly organizes events that instill community service values. According to the Director of Student Activities, recent years saw many student-led initiatives "promoting tolerance and interest in voluntary and social work". For example, students organized a French Cultural Day on campus to celebrate diversity, ran breast cancer awareness booths in public malls, participated in activities of the King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Coexistence (promoting interfaith harmony), and visited centers for individuals with special needs (such as the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Center for hearing and speech development). These activities are often voluntary and student-run, extending Ahlia's impact into the community.

Ahlia Students organize a wide number of activities and events

Al-Sulaiti touched on another type of activities aimed at promoting the values of tolerance and interest in voluntary and social work, such as organizing the French Students' Day, organizing breast cancer awareness activities in a number of commercial complexes and vital facilities, the participation of university students in the activities of the King Hamad Center for Peaceful Coexistence, and a visit by a group of university students to the Sultan Center Bin Abdul Aziz for the development of hearing and speech and others.

Charitable Outreach (Ad Hoc Events):

Ahlia students engage in charitable outreach to support vulnerable groups. Notably, students paid visits to "Dar Yoko" elderly care home and provided financial support for its residents. This was done under Ahlia's social responsibility program: the Student Activities Department held a series of charity events whose proceeds were dedicated to the care home's needs. The goal was not only to donate funds but to teach students the value of community service and charitable participation in society. Likewise, Ahlia volunteers have organized Ramadan initiatives such as "Iftar on the Road," distributing meals to those in need at sunset during Ramadan (an activity run by students outside campus). These ad hoc humanitarian efforts strengthen the bond between Ahlia's students and their community.

'Al-Ahlia' students visit 'Dar yoko' inmates

Ahlia University students provided financial support to Yoko Parents' Care Home, within the framework of the social responsibility programs adopted by the university.

Whereas, the Student Activities Department organized a series of charitable and purposeful events, the proceeds of which were allocated to support the employees of the House, with the aim of providing university students with the values of community service and charitable participation in social work.

Social Awareness Campaigns:

Student clubs and groups at Ahlia also spearhead campaigns on social issues. For example, a student team launched the "TOGETHER S.A.F.E." campaign, which involved taking their message of love, peace, and social tolerance to the broader community. They set up their campaign outside the university, using public engagement to promote unity and combat social problems. Such initiatives are often voluntary and reflect students' commitment to positive social change, supported by the university's encouragement and resources.

TOGETHER S.A.F.E' CAMPAIGN

The event was an opportunity for the team to promote their campaign outside of the university and to convey their message of love, peace and social tolerance to the whole community.

In summary, Ahlia University has a strong track record (2019-2024) of both programmed and ad hoc outreach beyond its campus. Programmed activities include regular events like career fairs, consultative community meetings, annual health campaigns, and school outreach visits that are part of the university's strategic plan. At the same time, Ahlia remains responsive with ad hoc initiatives -- from volunteering in national emergencies to student-run charity drives -- whenever a community need or opportunity arises. All these efforts create meaningful partnerships between Ahlia University and the community, whether by educating school students about university life, raising public awareness on health/environmental issues, or instilling a spirit of volunteerism in its own students. This multi-faceted outreach approach aligns with Ahlia's core values and Bahrain's national goals, truly embodying the idea that a university's impact extends well beyond its campus walls.