Minister Humaidan and MP Zayed praise the innovative initiatives of Bahraini youth
21-10-2019
His Excellency Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority, met at the Ministry with His Excellency Ali Ahmed Zayed, Second Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, in the presence of Mrs Salma Ahmed Al Asfoor, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Deaf Society, a number of the Society’s board members, and the founders of a smartphone application for the deaf and mute, Mr Ibrahim Saleh Ibrahim and Mr Omar Abdul Aziz Al Rais. Humaidan and the Second Deputy Speaker were briefed on the project’s concept, which aims to support persons with hearing disabilities by introducing sign language through a high‑quality application for smart devices, enabling users to manage daily interactions more easily. They also commended the innovators’ efforts to enhance the integration of people of determination from the deaf and mute community, broaden opportunities to learn and practise sign language, and translate creative Bahraini ideas into impactful solutions that contribute to national development. Humaidan affirmed the Ministry’s support for civil society organisations’ initiatives—particularly those serving the deaf and mute—to achieve humanitarian and social goals, showcase this group’s ability to overcome challenges, and enable their effective participation in the development process and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. For their part, the Chairwoman and the project founders expressed appreciation for His Excellency the Minister’s and His Excellency the Second Deputy Speaker’s interest in Bahraini youth initiatives and their encouragement to continue innovating. They also praised the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s role in meeting citizens’ needs and delivering development, welfare, rehabilitation and service programmes to all segments of society, and highlighted the contribution of civil society organisations in implementing projects that raise living standards and advance social and economic progress.