The Royal college of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bahrain Red Crescent (BRC) for a series of community, charitable and educational activities.
The main aim of the MoU, which was initiated by RCSI Bahrains Community Engagement department, is to promote collaboration between the two parties for the benefit of people and communities locally, regionally and internationally.
As part of the scope of the association, RCSI Bahrain will aim to make a donation to the BRC on an annual basis as well as supporting the Friends of Bahrain programme and promoting BRC events to its staff and students.
In addition, RCSI Bahrain is to become part of Bahrains Humanitarian Action Group - a first responder volunteer group to support communities during local disasters, organised in collaboration with Muharraq Municipal Council - and will also donate hygiene supplies in times of local, regional or international disaster.
On its part, BRC will facilitate RCSI Bahrain undergraduate students participation on its local educational programmes and, potentially, international activities.
The MoU was signed during a meeting at the RCSI Bahrain campus in Busaiteen by RCSI President, Professor Sameer Otoom and BRC Secretary General, Dr Fawzi Amin.
Also present were members of RCSI Bahrains Executive Committee and Student Council, as well as Bahrain Red Crescent Director General Mubarak Al-Hadi.
Speaking afterwards, RCSI Bahrain Head of Community Engagement, Julie Sprakel described it as a historical milestone in the longstanding association between the two parties.
"This is a historical milestone for the partnership between RCSI Bahrain and BRC given our longstanding history of support. The signing marks a solid foundation in which civic engagement and support can be mutually beneficial to our students and staff and the broader community. This collaborative partnership falls in line with the universitys strategic pillar of Community Engagement."
RCSI Bahrain is a constituent university of RSCI, which was established in 1784. Like its Irish counterpart, RCSI Bahrain is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide.