Programme of Activity Begins at The Education Project 2010

MANAMA, Bahrain, October 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), today kicked off the two-day programme of interactive workshops and plenary sessions at The Education Project 2010.

Speaking to some 500 delegates from 50 countries this morning, he said: "I am delighted to see representation from every part of the world, representing all sectors of education. What we all have in common is that we are gathered here to address the same question which I know everyone in this room cares passionately about: 'What will it take to dramatically improve students' learning experience and outcomes? In these difficult economic times, governments, businesses and parents alike are all thinking about how to give our children the right skills so that they can productively and meaningfully find employment, independence and ultimately fulfilment in society."

The EDB is hosting the event that was founded last year by His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain and Chairman of the EDB.

"It is easy to agree on the need for better education, but the real challenge lies in the how. How are we going to improve the outcomes," Shaikh Mohammed added. "Between 1995 and 2007, expenditure on educational institutions for all levels of education increased an average of 49 percent in OECD countries. Unfortunately, or maybe frustratingly, this level of investment has not seen a significant rise in education outcomes.

"There has been a tremendous amount of work done - much of which has been driven by many people in this room - which is starting to produce some answers as to why this has been the case and what still needs to be done. So in this forum we will focus not on re-hashing the same issues but rather on thinking about what needs to happen and, more importantly, how this needs to happen - at government, system and school levels - how can we improve our system to produce a step-change in learning outcomes."

Shaikh Mohammed will, this evening, welcome a special address from HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Notes to editors

About The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is a dynamic public agency with an overall responsibility for formulating and overseeing the economic development strategy of Bahrain, and for creating the right climate to attract direct investment into the Kingdom.

The role of the Bahrain EDB is to provide leadership by uniting all of the Kingdom's shareholders through a unified vision, and to develop key strategies for growth. The Bahrain EDB also acts as a facilitator, helping all of Bahrain's stakeholders to understand and adopt the changes necessary for progress. In addition, the Bahrain EDB provides sound project management to ensure that all agreed reform initiatives are implemented in an effective and timely manner.

The Bahrain EDB is also responsible for attracting inward investment into Bahrain, and is focusing on six target economic sectors in which the Kingdom offers significant strengths. These are financial services, downstream industries, tourism, business services, logistics, and education and training.

For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit http://www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit http://www.bahrain.com

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    Further information

    Jenan Al Maskati, Bahrain Economic Development Board
    Tel: +973-17-589-930
    Email: [email protected]

    Katie Bergius, Bell Pottinger
    Tel: +44(0)207-861-3105 / +44 (0)7979-701-689
    Email: [email protected]

    Doreen Bonnami, The Experience
    Tel: +1 212 794 8801 x1105
    Email: [email protected]

SOURCE The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)