Engagement (Community & Industry)
SDG 17: Focus Areas
17.4.3 Education for SDGs in the wider community
Does your university as body have dedicated outreach educational activities for the wider community, which could include alumni, local residents, displaced people?
The University of Bahrain (UoB) demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to Education for Sustainable Development beyond campus, fully addressing THE Impact Rankings Indicator 17.4.3. Through structured outreach programs, strategic partnerships, and innovative learning platforms, UoB extends SDG-focused education to alumni, local residents, schools, professionals, and vulnerable groups, fostering inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities.
Key Achievements:
- Community Outreach & Social Inclusion:
- School supply drives and Ramadan food distribution with ISACA Bahrain and Rotary Club of Manama, supporting low-income families and promoting SDG 1 and SDG 10.
- Educational Engagement in Schools:
- Faculty-led workshops on AI, sustainability, and professional learning communities in public and private schools, reaching 250+ students.
- Legal & Environmental Awareness:
- Legal Clinic and Human Rights Center delivered climate change and environmental rights workshops in schools, strengthening SDG 13 and SDG 16.
- Digital & Lifelong Learning Platforms:
- UoB–Coursera partnership offering 8,000+ global courses to students, alumni, and unemployed graduates.
- Micro-Credentials initiative providing free, flexible learning for community members and professionals.
- Creative & Cultural Outreach:
- Projects like “Writing Inspired by a Child’s Imagination” and Creative Dialogues engaged 200+ global artists and produced 400+ educational stories and animations for public access.
- Professional Development & Industry Collaboration:
- Partnerships with KPMG Bahrain, Injaz Bahrain, and IET UK delivering vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and innovation challenges.
Measurable Impact:
- 250+ school students engaged in sustainability and legal awareness workshops.
- 200+ creative dialogue sessions with global artists and designers.
- 8,000+ courses accessible through Coursera partnership.
- Micro-Credentials policy offering annual free courses to unemployed graduates and community members.
- Regional recognition for student-led outreach projects (Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Award, Ihsan Award, Bahrain Trust Award).
UoB’s outreach initiatives exemplify inclusive, systemic, and measurable education for SDGs, reinforcing its role as a national and regional leader in lifelong learning and community empowerment. These programs operationalize SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), ensuring that education for sustainable development extends beyond campus boundaries to benefit society at large.
Download: University of Bahrain 17.4.3 Education for SDGs in the wider community
