GDN:New centre to support NGOs first in the GCC

By rebecca torr
Published: 10th October 2006
A CENTRE designed to support non-governmental organisa-tions (NGOs) being launched in Tubli tonight will be the first of its kind in the GCC.
It will offer training, resources and expertise to the more than 400 NGOs in Bahrain.
The initiative is the brainchild of the Social Development Ministry, which has also sought expertise from the United Nations Development Pro-gramme (UNDP).
“There are more than 400 NGOs in Bahrain and the number is increasing exponentially so the centre will help to give value to them,” Social Development Ministry adviser Dr Ates Elshabrawy told the GDN yesterday.
By rebecca torr
Published: 10th October 2006
A CENTRE designed to support non-governmental organisa-tions (NGOs) being launched in Tubli tonight will be the first of its kind in the GCC.
It will offer training, resources and expertise to the more than 400 NGOs in Bahrain.
The initiative is the brainchild of the Social Development Ministry, which has also sought expertise from the United Nations Development Pro-gramme (UNDP).
“There are more than 400 NGOs in Bahrain and the number is increasing exponentially so the centre will help to give value to them,” Social Development Ministry adviser Dr Ates Elshabrawy told the GDN yesterday.
Dr Elshabrawy said the centre would be a support mechanism that would provide NGOs with specialised training services to help them recruit members and implement plans.
It will also offer legal and financial counselling, business development advice, as well as help with capacity building related to fundraising and proposals.
UNDP analyst Ali Salman said the UNDP was helping the ministry put together a framework for the centre, which was in line with international standards, with the help of a consultant.
The initiative is funded by the ministry and it is also seeking financial assistance from the private sector.
The centre, which has two meeting rooms, a library and a cafeteria, will be run by six to eight people who will be assisted by legal, financial and IT experts.
It will be launched by Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi at 8.30pm this evening.
The opening will be followed by a workshop that will explain to NGOs the purposes, functions and activities of the centre.
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