Under the patronage of Minister of Interior Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the graduation ceremony of the fifth batch of Maan (together) programme against violence and addiction was held on Wednesday, in the presence of Health Ministry, Sadiq Al Shahabi, all governors, Chief of Public Security, GCC ambassadors, Undersecretaries of various ministries and Director of UN Information Centre in the Gulf region. The Interior Minister expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Southern Governor and Chairman of Maan Committee Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa for his efforts in the programme, paying similar tribute to government and private organisations involved in it, as well as to trainers and participants for their efforts in this regard.He said that Maan embodies the concept of community partnership and the role of community police, and is in line with the Interior Ministry's strategy to protect the security of the citizens and resident through precaution and awareness.He asserted that the Maan programme represents a success story and a source of pride for the kingdom, crediting its success to the joint efforts and contributions of public and private sectors. He said that the training in the programme is now handled by highly qualified Bahraini cadres, which, he said, represent a turning point towards further development.He expresed hope that the programme will be implemented in GCC countries so as to benefit youths there, stressing that it has been supported by all.At the beginning of the ceremony, the Southern Governor delivered a speech in which he expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Interior Minister for the support he provides for the national programmes, noting that Maan has covered more educational institutions and there is coordination with the National Authority for Qualifications and Quality Assurance in Education and Training to evaluate and accredit its quality ."What makes this batch a special one is the landmark participation of Bahrainis," he said, explaining that the trainers of this batch are Bahrainis who were trained by international organisations, which, he said, support the idea of establishing a regional centre to fight violence and addiction in the Gulf region. The Governor concluded by thanking all organisations associated with the programme, especially the Education Ministry and Bahraini Radio and Television , while asserting commitment to assisting children to take the right decisions to serve their nation.After that the Facilitator of D.A.R.E, Leonard Moudy delivered a speech in which he hailed Bahrain's interest to support its youth population, stressing that the programme makes Bahrain a pioneer in the Arab world in this field.He said that the trainees were involved in a two-week training.He also highlighted the achievements of Maan.The ceremony also included a speech by the Ibn Sina Primary School's Assistant Principal, the supervisor of Maan at the school, who hailed the support of the Interior Ministry and highlighted the benefits of the programmes on the students.Maan provides services to 56,000 students at 110 public and private schools and 19 kindergartens.As part of its ongoing success, the programme has moved to cover intermediate and secondary levels through anti-drug workshops.The Interior Minister honoured lecturers of D.A.R.E, distinguished Maan members and the graduates, and wished them further success.Director of the UN Information Centre Najib Friji praised the programme, the support of the Interior Minister and the involved teams.He said that through Maan, Bahrain has moved ahead in achieving the UN goals.