Sustainable Development Goals Initiatives 2023–2024

ENGAGEMENT (COMMUNITY / INDUSTRY)

4.3.4 Education Outreach Activities Beyond Campus

Does your university as a body undertake educational outreach activities (e.g. tailored lectures or demonstrations) beyond campus, e.g. in local schools, in the community, including voluntary student-run schemes?

The University of Bahrain (UoB) undertakes extensive educational outreach beyond campus, fully addressing SDG 4.3.4. In 2023–2024, UoB delivered tailored lectures, workshops, and demonstrations in schools, community forums, and professional settings, engaging over 250 students through environmental rights and sustainability sessions organized by the Legal Clinic and Human Rights Center. Faculty-led initiatives addressed social issues, women’s empowerment, and family welfare in collaboration with national bodies. UoB students participated in regional and global STEM competitions (Chem-E-Car, PetroBowl, Arab IoT & AI Challenge), showcasing innovation and applying classroom knowledge internationally. The Students Digital Community Engagement Portal connects learners with NGOs, schools, and ministries for verified outreach activities. Additional programs include cultural diversity events, vocational training for Bapco engineers, and interactive campaigns like Gharsa for environmental awareness. These initiatives, delivered ad hoc and on a programmed basis, strengthen lifelong learning and community impact.

Advancing Social Understanding through Academic and Community Engagement

Dr. Ahlam Rashid Al-Qasimi, Head of the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Bahrain, has demonstrated the influential role of the social sciences in addressing contemporary national and community issues. Through a series of lectures, workshops, and seminars, she has contributed to advancing public understanding of topics such as education, women’s empowerment, family welfare, and national security.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Dr. Al Qasimi delivered a lecture on “The Sociological Imagination in Sociology”, inspiring educators and students to connect theory with social realities. Her outreach extended to community forums, where she led discussions on digital media and its impact on women’s initiatives and the problem of drug addiction, highlighting pathways for prevention and rehabilitation.

She also participated in the national seminar “The Efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Protecting the Family Unit”, contributing expert insights on strengthening social cohesion and family values.

Through these engagements, Dr. Al Qasimi exemplifies how academic expertise can enrich public dialogue, support evidence-based policymaking, and enhance social awareness — reinforcing the University of Bahrain’s commitment to education that connects scholarship with community well-being.

Related Links:

• UOB Academic Delivers a Lecture on Sociological Imagination in Sociology
• Lecture on Media’s Impact on Women’s Community Initiatives
• UOB Academic Delivers Lecture on Drug Addiction
• UOB Academic Participates in Seminar on National Efforts to Strengthen the Family Unit

Expanding UOB’s Global STEM Outreach Through Off-Campus Participation in Regional and International Competitions

The Chem-E-Car project and competition participation represent a significant educational outreach initiative that extends UOB learning activities far beyond campus boundaries. The team traveled to Dhahran, KSA, to participate in the MEPEC 2024 regional competition and will proceed to the global finals in San Diego, marking a trajectory of international outreach that showcases UOB student innovation to diverse audiences. Their second-place finish in the Chem-E-Car Competition and second-place achievement in the Chem-E Jeopardy Competition provided opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, engage with global STEM communities, and represent Bahrain’s engineering education on international platforms. This off-campus engagement broadens the university’s educational impact, raises the visibility of high-quality STEM learning, and strengthens UOB’s contribution to expanding inclusive and impactful education beyond the classroom.

Legal Clinic and Human Rights Center – Climate Change and Environmental Rights

During the 2023–2024 academic year, the Legal Clinic and Human Rights Center at the College of Law actively contributed to SDG 4.3.4 through outreach initiatives promoting awareness and education on climate change and environmental rights. These activities combined academic learning with community engagement, highlighting the University’s commitment to linking higher education with societal impact.

As part of its outreach efforts, Legal Clinic students organized interactive workshops in both public and private schools across the Kingdom of Bahrain. The sessions addressed topics such as environmental rights, sustainable practices, and the role of national legislation in protecting natural resources. Reaching over 250 school students, these workshops fostered a culture of environmental responsibility and emphasized the shared duty of government, private sector, and civil society in achieving sustainability for future generations.

Furthermore, the Clinic collaborated with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the workshops aligned with national educational goals and contributed to broader public understanding of climate action, human rights, and sustainable development.

Arab IoT & AI Challenge – Regional Capacity Building Program

In 2023, the University of Bahrain (UoB) advanced SDG 4.3.4 – Education outreach beyond campus by enabling students to participate in the Arab Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence Challenge, held alongside GITEX Week in Dubai, UAE. The initiative provided a platform for students to extend their learning beyond the University campus, engaging with peers, experts, and industry professionals from 13 Arab countries.

UoB students excelled in both graduation project and startup categories, presenting innovative solutions such as an AI-powered smart glove translating sign language into sound, a child incubator startup, a smart refrigerator using IoT technologies, and a cyber-attack resistant transportation system. These projects demonstrate the practical application of knowledge and research for societal benefit, highlighting the University’s role in fostering innovation and community impact beyond academic boundaries.

The competition was organized in partnership with multiple stakeholders, including the Telecommunications Society-Bahrain Branch of IEEE, Bahrain Polytechnic, Arab IoT and AI Challenge organizers, and national government agencies, providing students with mentorship, expert feedback, and exposure to regional innovation networks. This outreach not only enhances students’ technical and entrepreneurial skills but also strengthens cross-border educational collaboration and societal engagement.

Evidence: Uob NewsPress

Students Digital Community Engagement Portal – First of Its Kind: Student Educational Outreach Activities Beyond Campus

For many years, University of Bahrain (UoB) students have been deeply involved in educational and community outreach activities beyond campus—supporting health campaigns, school programs, and social initiatives that promote learning, wellness, and community development across the Kingdom. 

Building on this strong legacy, the University launched the Students Digital Community Engagement Portal, the first initiative of its kind in the world, to modernize, systematize, and recognize student engagement through a secure digital platform. 

The portal connects students, alumni, and external partners: including NGOs, schools, ministries, hospitals, and private enterprises—within an integrated digital ecosystem. Through it, partners post outreach and learning opportunities, students apply and participate, and each completed activity is digitally verified by both the partner and the University. Participants receive digital certificates and achievement badges, stored in their individual UoB Engagement Portfolio, evidencing their service, leadership, and applied learning. 

This innovation transforms student service beyond campus into a structured lifelong learning and educational outreach model, enabling verifiable measurement of participation, skills gained, and social outcomes. It supports THE Impact Ranking SDG 4.3.4 – Education outreach activities beyond campus, by providing inclusive, flexible, and skill based learning experiences accessible to all students and community members. 

Since its introduction, the portal has engaged hundreds of students and dozens of partner organizations, producing an expanding portfolio of educational outreach projects that enhance employability, strengthen citizenship, and amplify the University’s contribution to Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and the UN SDGs. 

Advancing Workforce Capacity Through Off-Campus Chemical Engineering Training for Bapco Professionals

The University of Bahrain expanded its educational outreach beyond campus through a specialized professional training course delivered to engineers and technicians from the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco). Held over four days at UoB in collaboration with the Center for Community Service and Continuing Education, the program—titled “Basics of Chemical Engineering for Non-Chemical Engineers”—served as a targeted capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the technical competencies of professionals working in the Kingdom’s oil and gas sector.

The course brought together 15 Bapco engineers and technicians, offering them an accessible, high-quality learning experience aligned with national workforce needs. Through lectures delivered by academic experts from the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, participants engaged with a broad range of applied topics, including chemical process fundamentals, material and energy balances, fluid sciences, heat transfer, separation processes, industrial furnaces, and corrosion science. By translating university-level engineering knowledge into practical industrial applications, UoB provided a direct educational service to the wider community and contributed to enhancing the technical capabilities of one of Bahrain’s major industrial employers.

This outreach initiative was reinforced by UoB’s strategic mandate to extend learning opportunities to the public and professional sectors. As emphasized by the Vice President for Community Service and Alumni Affairs, the university remains committed to empowering the national workforce through continuing education programs that respond to labor market priorities. The collaboration with Bapco reflects a sustained partnership model where government and private-sector employees receive specialized training from UoB’s academic departments, strengthening the university’s role as a provider of high-impact, off-campus educational services.

Through this professional training course, the University of Bahrain demonstrated its contribution to inclusive, lifelong learning, aligning with SDG 4.3.4 by extending STEM education beyond campus boundaries, supporting sector-specific workforce development, and enhancing the scientific and technical capacities of Bahrain’s industrial community.

Evidence Link: UOB News Press

Extending UOB’s STEM Education Through International Engagement at IPTC Education Week

Mariam Taj’s participation in IPTC Education Week 2024 exemplifies the University of Bahrain’s commitment to extending high-quality education beyond campus boundaries. Traveling to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, as part of a selective program for top global students, she engaged in intensive workshops, panels, networking events, field trips, and the “Unlock Reserves” collaborative project, applying classroom knowledge to real-world energy challenges.

Through this international outreach, Mariam gained exposure to industry-leading practices, advanced technologies, and interdisciplinary teamwork while representing UOB on a global stage. The experience not only enhanced her individual skills and career prospects but also served as a demonstration of the university’s capacity to provide students with practical, globally connected, and industry-relevant STEM learning opportunities. By participating in this prestigious program, Mariam helped showcase the talent nurtured at UOB, extending the university’s educational impact to international audiences and aligning directly with SDG 4.3.4.
Evidence Link: SPE Bahrain Student Chapter Insgtram

Extending UOB STEM Education Through Regional and Global PetroBowl Engagements

The University of Bahrain extended its educational impact beyond campus through the participation of the SPE Student Chapter in the SPE PetroBowl regional qualifiers and the global championship at ATCE 2024. Traveling to Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, for the MENA regional qualifiers and to New Orleans, USA, for the world championship, the UOB team applied their classroom knowledge to a real-world, competitive, and highly international setting.

The team’s second-place finish in the MENA region, followed by participation in the global championship, provided students with a platform for high-level experiential learning, including technical problem-solving, rapid knowledge application, and strategic teamwork. Additionally, the program offered networking opportunities with industry executives, global students, and professional societies, further enhancing the students’ exposure to international best practices. Through these off-campus, internationally connected activities, UOB showcased its commitment to inclusive and globally relevant STEM education, strengthened student competencies in petroleum engineering, and promoted the university’s presence on a worldwide stage, fully aligning with SDG 4.3.4.

Evidence Link: SPE Bahrain Student Charter Instagram

Cultural Education and Community Engagement Through International Day for Cultural Diversity (2024)

The International Day for Cultural Diversity served as a key outreach initiative that extended educational opportunities beyond formal classroom settings. Through interactive displays, cultural demonstrations, and direct engagement with representatives from the Yunus Emre Institute and other international partners, participants gained deeper insight into global cultural practices and traditions.

The Institute’s contribution—sharing educational materials, cultural resources, and traditional Turkish cuisine—enhanced public understanding of cultural diversity and promoted cross-cultural dialogue among the broader university community.

This event demonstrates the University of Bahrain’s commitment to inclusive educational outreach, intercultural learning, and community engagement, in alignment with SDG 4.3.4.

Advancing Public Dialogue on Energy and Technology Through SPE Student Debate Forum

The University of Bahrain (UOB), through its Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Student Chapter, advanced its outreach impact beyond campus by hosting a major debate forum on 27 June 2024. The event engaged engineering students in a structured, academically supervised discussion on critical global challenges—linking energy sustainability, climate solutions, and emerging technologies. This initiative functioned as a public-facing educational activity designed to strengthen critical thinking, communication skills, and informed discourse on topics central to sustainable development.

The debate was evaluated by expert faculty members from the Chemical Engineering Department, ensuring academic rigor and authoritative assessment. Dr. Hayat Abdulla, known for her contributions to thermodynamics, microfluidics, and CO₂ utilization research, and Dr. Ajaz Rashid, whose work spans desalination, mineral carbonation, and sustainable water production, formed the judging panel. Their involvement ensured that the arguments presented were grounded in scientific principles and aligned with contemporary research directions.

Three forward-looking topics were debated, each reflecting a major pillar of modern sustainability discourse:

1. “Is CCS a solution for greenhouse gas emissions?”
   The winning team—Rahaf Salem, Yara Nezar, and Lulwa Alkaabi—successfully argued in favor of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as a viable climate mitigation tool. Their argument acknowledged the increasing importance of CCS in global decarbonization pathways, reflecting strong technical understanding and early engagement with climate-aligned engineering solutions.
2.  Is it better to switch to renewable energy nowadays?” 
   The affirmative team—Ahmed Aljar, Mohammed Adel, and Mohammed Jamal—won by demonstrating the economic, environmental, and strategic advantages of accelerating renewable energy adoption. Their stance underscored the necessity of energy transition frameworks long before many countries achieved high renewable integration.
3. “Application of AI in education.”
   In an unexpected outcome, the winning team—Rahaf Salem, Yara Nezar, and Lulwa Alkaabi—successfully opposed the motion, highlighting concerns related to ethics, data privacy, dependency, and potential inequalities. Their argument demonstrated a nuanced understanding of responsible AI integration in academic environments.

By holding this debate as an open, public-facing intellectual event, UOB expanded its educational engagement beyond classroom boundaries. The activity brought together students, faculty, and industry-relevant themes in a collaborative learning environment that elevated public awareness of sustainability, climate technologies, and digital transformation. This aligns directly with SDG 4.3.4, demonstrating UOB’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality educational outreach that addresses real-world challenges and contributes to national and regional dialogue on the future of energy and technology.

Evidence Link: SPE Bahrain Student Chapter Instagram

Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement through Yunus Emre Institute Activities

Through its contribution to the University of Bahrain’s National Day celebrations, the Yunus Emre Institute supported educational outreach that extended beyond the classroom environment. By engaging University of Bahrain students, faculty, and community visitors, the Institute delivered interactive cultural education, including artistic demonstrations and workshops that introduced participants to traditional Turkish art and heritage.
These outreach activities strengthened intercultural learning, expanded access to non-formal education, and encouraged community participation in creative and cultural practices. The initiative reflects the University of Bahrain’s commitment to promoting inclusive, community-oriented educational opportunities, in alignment with SDG 4.3.4.

Cultural Education and Community Engagement Through Calligraphy Exhibition (April 2024)

The Calligraphy Art Exhibition and its associated lecture and workshop served as a significant education outreach activity, engaging not only University of Bahrain students and faculty but also members of the wider community. By presenting calligraphy—a shared cultural heritage that connects Ottoman, Turkish, and Arabic artistic traditions—the event fostered intercultural understanding and provided an accessible non-formal learning experience.

Visitors were invited to explore the aesthetic and historical dimensions of calligraphy, deepening their appreciation for the art form and its relevance across cultures. The workshop offered direct interaction with an expert practitioner, expanding opportunities for community members to learn new artistic skills beyond formal academic settings.

This initiative demonstrates the University of Bahrain’s commitment to inclusive community education, cultural exchange, and accessible learning opportunities, fully supporting the aims of SDG 4.3.4.

BTC Sustainability Day and Car Free Lifestyle Campaign

Organized annually by the Bahrain Teachers College (BTC), these public events raise awareness of sustainability and environmentally responsible behavior. Students, faculty, and members of the local community participate in interactive booths, workshops, games, poster displays, and competitions that explore sustainable living at home, at work, and in social life. 

The Car Free Lifestyle Campaign further engages students and the public through interactive social media activities on Padlet, inviting participants to share how they reduce car use—by walking, cycling, or using public transport. Certificates are issued to students and participants emphasizing behavioral change and environmental responsibility. 

UOB Supports Schools in Bahrain

Bahrain Teachers College works closely with the Ministry of Education to support the improvement of teaching and leadership within all schools in Bahrain.

For government schools, BTC provides Continuing Professional Development courses as well as leadership training through its Teacher Leadership Programme and School Leadership Programme. There is specialised professional development for teachers working with children with special educational needs available through the BTC’s Special Educational Programme. In addition to these programme offerings, BTC develops bespoke training to government schools. The BTC Leadership Centre offers bespoke training to school leaders at the behest of the Ministry of Education – for example, in 2024, the Ministry identified a need for principals of technical and vocational schools to receive additional training, and the Leadership Centre conducted a training needs analysis and developed an intensive workshop series. Additionally, bespoke workshops for individual schools are regularly delivered.

The BTC further supports the continued improvement of education in government schools through its Model Teaching Schools initiative. This initiative, launched jointly with the Ministry of Education in 2024, uses BTC’s researchers to identify best teaching practices in outstanding schools, and to disseminate these findings across the sector.

For the private sector, BTC supports quality schooling through the Private Schools Programme, which is delivered in both Arabic and English to cohorts of private school teachers which are nominated by the Ministry of Education as requiring training. Bespoke workshops are also delivered to individual private schools on request. BTC faculty are also encouraged to serve on private school boards, to provide expert input into the continual improvement of their education.

Architecture and Design Public Programs

The University of Bahrain’s Department of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape delivers a wide range of inclusive public education outreach activities beyond campus on a regular annual basis, ensuring that knowledge, culture, and lifelong learning opportunities extend to all segments of the community. The Architecture and Design Public Programs participate annually in each of these activities, reinforcing the department’s commitment to sustained community engagement and educational impact.

Through collaborative programs with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and other national partners, the department provides equitable access to lectures, exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that promote community learning, heritage preservation, and awareness of sustainable development.

The annual celebrations for the International Day for Islamic Art, for example, invite the wider public to explore Islamic aesthetics through contemporary architectural and design practices, fostering intercultural understanding, social inclusion, and appreciation of cultural identity. Similarly, the Muharraq Night Heritage Framework Presentation engages local communities in discussions around architectural conservation and urban heritage management, strengthening public participation, knowledge-sharing, and awareness of sustainable cities and communities.

The DAIL Annual Exhibition, featuring work from the Departments of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape, further enhances lifelong learning by creating an open space where students, educators, industry professionals, and community members interact. This event supports capacity-building, encourages dialogue on sustainable design, and promotes inclusive access to educational resources through direct engagement with creative and research-based outputs.

Collectively, these annual outreach activities demonstrate the university’s commitment to widening public access to quality education, advancing cultural and environmental sustainability, and strengthening community partnerships — fully aligning with the intent of SDG 4.3.4: Educational outreach activities beyond campus, including tailored lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions, and community-oriented learning initiatives.

Sadaf Initiative – From the Sea to Creative Hands

On October 29, 2023, the Sadaf Initiative integrated environmental education with social responsibility through interactive workshops that transformed recycled seashells into jewelry, décor, and artistic crafts. Conducted in partnership with orphan-support NGOs, youth groups, and environmental organizations, these hands-on sessions introduced participants to marine conservation, recycling methods, sustainable art, and empathy through collaborative creativity.

Participants enhanced both their artistic and environmental skills, while proceeds from the sale of the recycled creations supported community programs for orphaned children—bringing together education, social inclusion, and sustainable practice in one initiative.

Legal Insights Series and Public Seminars

The College of Law at the University of Bahrain delivers the Legal Insights Series, an ongoing community education program featuring faculty lectures, live webinars, and in person sessions addressing relevant legal and civic topics. Sessions focus on human rights, women’s empowerment, business and labor law, environmental legislation, and public interest advocacy.

The events are publicly accessible, frequently co organized with national ministries, NGOs, professional associations, and media outlets to expand reach. These sessions engage audiences from the general public, students from other institutions, and practitioners seeking continuing education in legal awareness.

Workshops and panel discussions encourage participants to ask questions, analyze real life case studies, and discuss Bahrain’s legal frameworks in an open setting that promotes transparency and civic understanding.

Environmental and Civic Engagement Public Workshops (Across Colleges)

Multiple colleges at the University of Bahrain organize open workshops and civic engagement events that extend education into the community:

• World Pharmacy Day Campaign: pharmacy students educate the public on safe medication use, antibiotic resistance, and chronic disease prevention.
• Stress Management and Panic Attack Workshops: led by the Deanship of Student Affairs and the College of Health and Sport Sciences to teach mental health care skills to students and community members.
• Public Speaking, Drawing, and Sustainability Competitions: raising awareness of environmental protection, creativity, and effective communication for social impact.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Educational Outreach through Community Site Visits

The Community Service and Continuing Education Center organized a comprehensive series of educational site visits during the 2023–2024 academic year. These visits aimed to enrich students’ learning experiences by linking academic study with practical exposure across a range of professional sectors.

Participating students visited leading national institutions and companies, including:

• Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA),
• Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC),
• Midal Cables,
• El Door Power Plants,
• Alnooh Wood Design Factory,
• Junaid Perfumes,
• Diyar Al Muharraq,
• Muharraq Municipality,
• and Malkeya and Karzakan beaches for field-based environmental studies.

These engagements provided students with first-hand insight into industrial operations, sustainable practices, and innovative approaches within their respective disciplines such as architecture, chemistry, engineering, and biology.

Through this initiative, the University of Bahrain demonstrates its commitment to extending education beyond the classroom, strengthening collaboration with industry and community partners, and preparing graduates who are equipped to contribute to national development and the global sustainability agenda.

Download: Students’ Community Outreach Activities (Academic Year 2023–2024)