Interior Minister highlights Bahrain’s efforts to promote peaceful co-existence
Washington, June 6 (BNA): Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa attended a ceremony hosted by U.S-based Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E). marking the 40th anniversary of its establishment.
Bahrain Ambassador in Washington and first member of the board of directors of the organization from outside the United States Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa was also present.
A curriculum for peaceful coexistence and combating extremism was launched within the framework of the modernization process of the program to combat violence and addiction "Together" which is being implemented by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The training curriculum has been translated into Arabic, in line with Arab customs and traditions, in partnership with the American organization D.A.R.E.
Addressing the ceremony which was at the headquarters of the United States Institute of Peace of the US Congress, Francisco Pejeros, CEO, confirmed that Bahrain's implementation of the program is exemplary.
He stressed the positive impact of the program, noting the curricula was reviewed and evaluated in cooperation and partnership with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He commended efforts to develop the curriculum of peaceful coexistence and combating extremism, stressing that the strong relationship between the organization, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior and the university has been strengthened through these endeavors.
Michelle Leonhart, D.A.R.E Chairman, who previously held the position of Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration in the United States, confirmed that the program is taught annually to more than 2.5 million students in the United States and 28 other countries,
She praised partnership between the organization and the Ministry of Interior in the Kingdom of Bahrain, describing Bahrain's implementation of the program as being a model to emulate.
Interior Minister Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifawas honored and awarded by the officials of the organization.
The minister then delivered a speech, thanking all the attendees in the ceremony. He highlighted the strong partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, commending joint efforts to stave off threats and overcome challenges.
He hailed the successful launch of the curriculum for peaceful coexistence and combating extremism, describing the blueprint as key step in concerted collective efforts to confront extremism, which is a global challenge.
He stressed the ministry’s efforts to promote basic values to combat intolerance and extremism, highlighting the national plan to promote national belonging and consolidate the values of citizenship (Bahrainouna).
"The scheme which was launched in 2019 aims to enhance a sense of community and national identity among all members of Bahraini society, and consolidate the principles of unity, development and prosperity", he said.
He highlited the role of community police in strengthening partnership between citizens and the police and implementing programs aimed to counter intolerance and extremism.
He noted that ministry launched the program to combat violence and addiction "Ma’an", which is approved by the D.A.R.E. in the United States, has reduced child misbehavior in schools by 56 percent since its inception in 2011.
Addressing the ceremong, the minister quoted His Majesty King Hamad bin isa Al Khalifa, who said in a keynote speech "Ignorance is the enemy of peace, and it is our duty to learn, share and live together through our belief in a faith that unites us in the spirit of love and mutual respect."
He stressed the importance of the curriculm as an initiative, in line with HM the King’s vision, aimed at promoting tolerance, peace and mutual respect and reinforcing core values through education.
"The ministry is striving to bring up a generation that is more resistant to extremism and ready to confront extremist ideas with messages of tolerance and peaceful coexistence", he said, noting the effective impact of "Maan" programme on schoolchildren in Bahrain.
