Manama: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, received Dr David Wyrick, head of the delegation from the University of North Carolina, USA, and U.S-based Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E). Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs (NPRA) and Chairman of the Maan (together) Committee for Combating Violence and Addiction, was present.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah praised the collaboration with the UNCG and D.A.R.E. in advancing the Maan programme. This initiative is considered one of the Kingdom's paramount community-security projects, crucial for shielding youth from violence and addiction while fostering positive behavioural patterns. He highlighted the significance of sustaining this research partnership due to its beneficial impact on the programme's methodology and the enhancement of its operational mechanisms.
The Interior Minister was presented with a scientific research document submitted to the International Journal of Public Health, a product of this collaboration, and expressed gratitude for such research efforts. The meeting also assessed the outcomes of the third phase of a joint study conducted by the university team and the Maan Regional Centre for Research and Training. The study focused on the curriculum of peaceful coexistence and countering extremism, revealing noteworthy positive indicators. Gen. Shaikh Rashid stressed that these developments are vital steps towards fostering a culture of moderation in educational and community settings, calling for the continuation and expansion of the study to achieve further positive outcomes.
Dr. Wyrick, on his part, expressed his gratitude to Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah for his support in the collaboration between the university team and the Maan Regional Centre in developing academic studies and research. He lauded the Maan programme as a global exemplar in security awareness and community partnership.