MEPI Student Leader Returns Home to Make a Difference

“The MEPI Program was like opening a new door in my life to find out who I really am and what potential I have.  I learned in a matter of six weeks what I could learn in a year,” said Nasreen Faqihi, a 23 year-old Bahraini woman, as she described her training in the U.S. as a participant in the Student Leaders Program.  In July and August 2006, Nasreen had been part of a group of Middle Eastern university students taking part in a six-week, MEPI-funded training program at Montana State University.  The program provided students instruction and practical, interactive training on a variety of leadership subjects and skills.   

After completing the program, Nasreen arrived back in Bahrain eager to take action and implement one of her many ideas; now that she had gained more skill and confidence to transform her ideas into projects.  On November 27-28, in conjunction with renowned Bahraini woman psychologist Dr. Banna Bu Zaboon, Nasreen organized a women’s empowerment workshop that was attended by 90 participants, (of which 15 were men).  The training, supported by project funds MEPI makes available to Student Leader alumni, attracted a diversified group of businessmen and women, members of NGOs and women’s associations, students, and housewives.  The training focused on goal setting, creative thinking, problem solving, and stress management to empower women to more successfully navigate their various challenges as professionals, students, activists, and citizens.   

“The feedback was overwhelming”, Nasreen commented proudly, adding that many participants requested similar future training for their institutions and staff, while others appealed for an expanded training program introducing more themes.  The event also received coverage by two programs on national television. 

Nasreen is far from finished; she is already conceptualizing more projects to tackle her society’s needs.  She has recognized her potential and intends to give every effort to accomplishing her long list of goals for contributing to positive change in Bahrain.