The signing of an agreement with the UNICEF to share Be-Free’s experiences in the field of child protection:
The Be-Free program established an agreement with the UNICEF to share its experiences in the field of child protection and personality building with other institutions. The first visit organized by the UNICEF was from a delegation from the Ministry of Social Development in Oman who wanted to observe Be-Free’s work closely and benefit from the accumulated knowledge and experience on the subject.
The establishment of joint ties with NGOs, institutions and associations from around the world:
The Be-Free program established collaborating ties with NGOs, institutions and associations from around the world to encourage children and youth to embrace diversity and learn from the different other in all aspects of life. In this regards, the Be-Free program conducted its first event under the title “Learning from the Different Other” in collaboration with the Doulos Ship – the floating library which is known for the diversity of it crew that includes volunteers from 83 different countries.
The official launch of the “It is my Right to Understand my Rights”:
The official launch of the program "It is my Right to Understand my Rights" in partnership with the UNICEF to help children fully comprehend their rights. The program was launched in the presence of Dr. Ayman Abu Laban; UNICEF’s representative in the GCC region. The official launch of the program also marked the introduction of the " It is my Right to Understand my Rights Train the Trainer Manual for Children in Elementary School" developed by Be-Free in addition to the story of “Nasser’s courage” that highlights a number of child rights and their impact on their safety. The ceremony was concluded with song on child rights.
The organization of a drawing contest for children under the theme "I am a Strong, Smart and Safe Child":
The Be-Free program arranged a drawing contest under the theme "I am a Strong, Smart and Safe Child" to communicate children’s view point on abuse. The children expressed how they viewed abuse through art which was then showcased on the occasion of the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse which falls on the 19th November of every year. The program acknowledged and awarded the winners.
The launch of the “Smart +” program:
The Be-Free program launched the "Smart and More" program with the intent of furthering the understanding of the community’s various institutions on the risks associated with the use of technology by children and youth. It has been noted that the increased use of such technology by children and youth created the need to protect them through joint efforts on behalf of governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations in addition to contributions from the private sector.
Broadening the publications of the Be-Free program:
The Be-Free program broadened the reach of its publications to encompass publishing houses, public libraries , bookshops , book selling websites and school libraries in Bahrain and in the GCC region.
The establishment of joint ties with Bahrain National TV and Al Jazeera Children’s Channel:
The Be-Free program worked together with the Bahrain National TV to host a weekly show that addressed various issues related to protection and personality building of children and youth. The weekly TV show was on air for more than 5 months. Furthermore, the Be-Free program collaborated with Al Jazeera Children’s Channel in shooting a discussion between a group of youth on the film "Pens without lead" on the situation of the Iraqi children and on workshops conducted by the Be-Free program on accepting responsibility.
The commencement of the forty day campaign under the theme “I am a Strong, Smart and Safe Child”:
The Be-Free program embarked upon a forty day campaign under the theme “I am a Strong, Smart and Safe Child” in collaboration with the WWSF . The campaign was launched on the Arab Child’s Day in October and ended on the 19th November which marked the World day for Prevention of Child Abuse. The campaign included several events, seminars and mini workshops aimed at children and caregivers.
Participation in the National Committee for the Preparation of the National Report on the Rights of the Child:
The Be-Free team participated in the National Committee for the Preparation of the National Report on the Rights of the Child. Further, the team provided remarks and recommendations on the subject.
