Within Bahrain's celebrations of the International Day for the Elderly.. Humaidan: Continuing to develop day care clubs and homes for eldarly

03-10-2019

Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Chairman of the National Committee for the Elderly, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, the Ministry— in cooperation with the Committee—organised a ceremony to mark the International Day of Older Persons on Thursday at the Al Hekma Retired Society Hall. The event was attended by the President of the Supreme Council of Health, His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa; the Chairman of the Society’s Board of Directors; His Excellency the Governor of the Northern Governorate, Mr Ali bin Al Shaikh Abdulhussain Al Asfoor; a number of members of the Council of Representatives; members of day and permanent Parents’ Care Clubs and Homes; social figures and activists; and members of the National Committee for the Elderly. In his opening remarks, Humaidan affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment—under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the country’s great King, may God protect and preserve him—to the care of senior citizens and to ensuring they enjoy the dignified life they deserve, in recognition of their social and economic standing and their role in building and advancing the Kingdom. He highlighted the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s keenness to integrate senior citizens into society, celebrate their international day annually, provide them with the best services, and deliver comprehensive social, health, legal and rehabilitation programmes. He noted that Bahrain’s experience in establishing day care centres and clubs for senior citizens is pioneering and reflects the cultural renaissance the Kingdom is witnessing. The Minister underscored that the Ministry continues to develop appropriate rehabilitation programmes for senior citizens, to benefit from their expertise and capabilities, and to integrate them into society by expanding the number of parental care clubs and homes operated by civil society institutions within the framework of effective community partnership. He indicated that there are currently 14 social care homes and clubs, and that the Ministry looks forward to raising the number of day care centres and clubs to 20 across the Kingdom in the coming years, in order to provide integrated services and comprehensive care for this group. He emphasised the success of these social projects, particularly as the Ministry continues to receive additional requests from civil society institutions to open care homes as partners in sustainable social development. He called for further social and economic initiatives, and for partnerships between the government, private and civil sectors to enhance the integration of senior citizens into social development and to benefit from their capabilities. For his part, Dr Hassan Kamal, Vice Chairman of the National Committee for the Elderly and Chairman of the Executive Office for the Elderly, affirmed that the true Islamic faith urges attention to the care of senior citizens who have rendered valuable services to the Bahraini people. He noted that the International Day of Older Persons is recognised by the United Nations to promote health services, prevent disease and provide the necessary facilities to meet seniors’ needs, and he urged civil society organisations to offer support and cooperation to create a healthy and prosperous environment for this group. Speaking on behalf of the Al Hekma Retired Society, Ms Moza Al Mansouri praised the directives of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, to adopt the term “senior citizens,” thereby affirming their role in the country’s renaissance and continued national contribution. She also commended the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s financial and moral support for day‑care clubs and centres, and its dedication to ensuring a dignified life for senior citizens and empowering them to exercise their pioneering social role in Bahrain. During the ceremony, the Late His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalid Al Khalifa Centre was inaugurated at the Al Hekma Retired Society. The Centre provides care, health, social and recreational services to the society’s members, and issues the “Testahal” card for senior citizens, which offers discounts from various government and private entities. Individuals who have made tangible contributions to serving senior citizens were honoured, together with banking institutions that support government efforts in caring for them. The Muharraq Parents’ Care Home presented a theatrical performance, and an exhibition showcased photographs, works and handicrafts by members of the Parents’ Care Clubs and Homes.