The Ministry of Education signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain, in the presence of Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council, Professor Michael Kerin, President of RCSI Dublin, and Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain.

The MoU was signed by Ms Suha Saleh Hamada, Director General of School Affairs at the Ministry of Education, and Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor and Registrar of RCSI Dublin.

Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma said the agreement would strengthen cooperation between the ministry and the university in preparing secondary school students interested in pursuing medical and health-related disciplines. He noted that the partnership would provide preparatory workshops, guidance lectures, and specialised programmes designed to enhance students’ knowledge and skills and introduce them to healthcare environments, patient interaction, communication skills, and healthcare ethics before commencing university studies.

Professor Michael Kerin welcomed the signing of the agreement, describing it as part of RCSI’s commitment to community engagement and its efforts to strengthen cooperation with schools. He said the initiative aims to support students aspiring to join medical and health-related fields by equipping them with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for future success.

Professor Kerin also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education for its commitment to strengthening cooperation with RCSI and supporting educational opportunities for school students.