Medical students at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) have launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the significance of mental health and physical activity for public well-being, titled “Motanafas”. This initiative aligns with the activities of the 13th edition of Youth City 2030, held at the Exhibition World Bahrain. This ongoing initiative has been patronised by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, since 2010. Its primary objective is to discover and nurture youth talent, empower young individuals to excel and position Bahraini youth as the furst choice in the labour market.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, in collaboration with its strategic partner, the Labour Fund “Tamkeen”, is committed to organising a diverse range of innovative activities within Youth City 2030 at each edition. This year’s edition notably emphasises the revival of Health and Sports Week. 

During a visit to the campaign corner set up by AGU students, Her Excellency Dr Jalila bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, accompanied by Her Excellency Ms Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, commended the campaign’s concept and objectives, as well as the enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by the student team in promoting the importance of mental health. They both underscored the necessity of continuing this important work, which plays a pivotal role in the development of Bahraini society, and welcomed ongoing collaboration with the medical students in launching more targeted community projects and campaigns.

During her visit to the campaign’s corner, the Minister of Health received a comprehensive briefing from the student organisers regarding initiatives and programmes designed to enhance mental health awareness. She expressed admiration for the ideas and insights shared by the participating youth on promoting mental health within the community.

In this regard, the Minister of Health praised Youth City 2030’s goals and the programmes it offers across various domains, including health, sports, science and technology, arts and culture, leadership and entrepreneurship, and media and entertainment, emphasising their positive impact on developing the skills and capacities of the youth. 

Furthermore, she highlighted the introduction of 148 new qualitative initiatives and programmes, alongside more than 4,000 training opportunities and 73 youth projects in entrepreneurship. The Minister noted the critical role that Youth City 2030 plays in fostering an inspiring generation equipped with the experiences and skills needed for future challenges, while also providing avenues for entering the labour market. She also emphasised the importance of hosting health awareness events and programmes that align with innovative strategies designed to enhance health consciousness and encourage community members to adopt healthy practices that promote their well-being. 

The campaign’s activities included a variety of games and challenges that received praise from attendees, including the “Love Delivery Service”, in which participants express their affection for a character of their choice through actions.

For her part, the Minister of Youth Affairs reaffirmed Youth City 2030’s commitment to continuously training Bahraini youth, equipping them with necessary skills and capacities, and supporting their projects and initiatives across diverse fields. She highlighted the city’s significant focus on raising awareness within Bahraini society, particularly among the youth, on various critical issues, including mental health and physical activity.