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HH Shaikha Hessa bint Salman Award for Voluntary Youth Work opens fourth edition
The Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa Award for Voluntary Youth Work continues as a national initiative recognising outstanding youth-led volunteer projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain, promoting social responsibility and community service in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW).
Established by Royal Order in 2011 in honour of the late Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa’s charitable and humanitarian contributions, the award is overseen by the SCW. It aims to instil a culture of volunteerism, encourage innovation, strengthen solidarity, and promote constructive youth participation in national development.
Since its launch, the award has seen successive editions that highlighted creative youth initiatives with tangible social impact, supporting the role of young Bahrainis in driving positive change and strengthening volunteer work as a pillar of community development.
The SCW has opened submissions for the fourth edition, with entries under evaluation before winners are announced. The judging committee is chaired by Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, SCW member, and includes Abdulkareem Abdulhameed Al Meer, Director of Events and Programmes at the Ministry of Youth Affairs; Amina Ibrahim Al Jassim, Director of Non-Government Organisations Support Directorate at the Ministry of Social Development; Dr. Israa Ahmed Wali, Head of the Information Systems Department and Director of the Business Incubator Centre at the University of Bahrain and INJAZ Bahrain Programme Coordinator; and Ameera Mahmood Mohammed, Chairwoman of the Board of the Youth Pioneer Society.
Awards include BHD 10,000 and BHD 6,000 for the first and second individual winners, and BHD 14,000 and BHD 10,000 for the first and second group winners. Eligible applicants must be Bahraini nationals aged 18–35, with projects registered under a civil society organisation or government entity.