Education
From The Report: Bahrain 2016
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With the first modern school in the Gulf set up in the country in 1919, and the first girls’ school opened in 1928, Bahrain has one of the longest histories of education in the region. Greater investment in the sector aims to improve quality across the board while matching graduates’ skills with the needs of the labour market. The nation’s public schools continue to perform well with the National Authority for Qualifications and Quality Assurance of Education and Training rating twice as many public schools as “outstanding” compared to private institutions. Steps are being taken to integrate technology into the classroom, with the education ministry engaging major IT firms to promote technology as a teaching tool.  Meanwhile, as part of its push for the Bahrainisation of the workforce, the government is supporting a number of on-the-job training initiatives. Funding schemes, such as Tamkeen, have also set minimum industry quotas to be filled by Bahrainis and are redoubling efforts in vocational training.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Bridging the gap: Public investment aims to improve state schools and boost national attainment levels
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With the first modern school in the Gulf set up in the country in 1919 and the first girls’ school opened in 1928, Bahrain has one of the longest histories of education in the region. Successive governments have made education a priority, and Bahrain is today home to a comprehensive education system, from nurseries to universities. The country achieved universal enrolment decades ago, and the focus now is on reforming the system to cement Bahrain’s position as a leading centre for business –…

Analysis

A two-pronged approach: Boosting national employment by focusing on localisation and training programmes
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Vocational and workplace training has become increasingly important in Bahrain in recent years. Despite economic growth of roughly 4% a year since 2010, according to the World Bank, Bahrain has a fairly high unemployment rate, estimated at 7.4% over the same period, and is higher still among the national population. In large part, this is due to a mismatch between skills and the needs of the local labour market, and as a result many employers hire expatriates on the basis that their skill sets are…

Analysis

Learning network: Using technology to help push the boundaries of education
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Technology has become a more common feature of education globally over the past 20 years, and Bahrain is no exception. Indeed, the country has increasingly turned towards greater use of technology in education. This is partly because the ubiquity of computers means that learning how to use them is an indispensable part of a modern education, but also because judicious use of technology in the classroom, and e-learning generally, has the potential to raise standards. Partnering Up Bahrain has been…

Analysis

Quality boost: High educational standards mean the country continues to draw international students
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With the aim of creating a niche for itself as a top student destination in the Gulf, Bahrain hopes international students will fill up to 35% of all university places over the next decade, according to projections from the national education plan. Until recently, the kingdom had been one of the region’s leading providers of education to overseas students. Within the GCC, Bahrain has already been able to capture 10% of overseas students. According to 2012 figures, the kingdom attracted more students…