More than 28,000 students took part in the seventh Bahrain First festival 2013 organised by the Education Ministry at the National Stadium.

Education is the cornerstone of national development and the bridge to a bright future, His Majesty King Hamad said, addressing the students, according to a report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

He also gave directives to allocate scholarships for outstanding students who excel at extra-curricular school activities.

The King was welcomed on arrival by Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi, ministry officials and schoolchildren.

Addressing the festival, His Majesty announced plans to build 12 state-of-the-art schools to ensure premium education for children.

"We assure you our constant care and keen interest to develop education in Bahrain as the lifeline for comprehensive development towards a bright future," he said.

"Thanks to teachers and education officials in the kingdom, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of formal education by 2019. We are also proud that education today is available to everyone."

On the occasion, the minister presented the King with a commemorative gift that included two books published by the ministry.

Then students put up a dialogue performance addressing His Majesty, and a number of songs by Bahraini and Gulf singers were played.

Dr Al Nuaimi outlined the ministry's landmark achievements, which have won national and international recognition.

He pointed out to international reports acknowledging Bahrain's strides, being named as a leader in education for five years in a row after succeeding in slashing illiteracy rate to 2.7 per cent. Dr Al Nuaimi asserted the ministry's interest in enhancing school activities, promoting the values of national unity, brotherhood and citizenship. – TradeArabia News Service