Abdulrahman Kanoo International School (ARKIS) – Longest Ribbon Challenge

With almost 2.5 kilometres already pledged via sponsorship for the Longest Ribbon Challenge, Bahrain Breast Cancer Society: Think Pink Bahrain received a further endorsement when they accepted an invitation to attend Abdulrahman Kanoo International School (ARKIS). The invitation was twofold- an attempt to support the ribbons tying process and to accept sponsorship, as the school itself pledged half a kilometer. Civic engagement is built within the curriculum, as the school believes that a strong sense of community engagement and civic service empowers its students to be inquirers, proactive and principled citizens in the global community. This is ever so evident as 30 IB (International Baccalaureate) students took the time from their morning schedule to tie over 3000 pieces of 20cm satin ribbons. This was not possible without the foresight and leadership of School Principal Aisha Janahi and that of the CAS/TOK Coordinator Ms. Fatima Alkhawaja. “It was a pleasure to participate in the Think Pink Bahrain preparation event, as we believe that raising awareness on breast cancer is imperative and our students learn a great deal from engaging in issues and campaigns that leave an impact. It also embodies the schools mission to teach our students hands how to become active and responsible members of their community. As a school we enjoy working closely with organizations and groups from civil society for projects such as these, as we benefit from their experience and expertise “Ms. Janahi. Speaking at the event, Founder & Chairwoman Mrs Julie Sprakel said,”It is about a conversation, starting as basic as why we would do such a challenge, and often ending in very profound conversations of how breast cancer has touched their lives family members or just being proud of being able to show the community how are going through this process of diagnosis and treatment, that they are indeed not alone- together we can go further has never

rung so true. Speaking on behalf of the student body Yousif Thaer from Grade 11 added, “For many of us, cancer is something real, that we watched someone go through and it is heart breaking. Campaigns such as these are the least we can do to show our solidarity and respect for their strength and fight.”