AS schools in Bahrain count down to reopening for the new academic term next month, charities across the nation are collecting donations to help under-privileged students with their expenses.
With thousands of public school students expected to start on September 6 and private schools commencing earlier, parents across Bahrain can be seen at stationery stores and supermarkets stocking up on supplies.
Official charities have also announced donation drives to raise thousands of dinars for the upcoming school season to help underprivileged families cover the required costs.
The Tree Of Life Social Charity Society announced, on its official Instagram account, that it is collecting BD8,580 to aid 520 students from low-income families with the school expenses – of which BD1,690 has been gathered as of yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Noaim Charity Society aims to collect BD10,000 to help 138 students with the cost of ‘Back to School’ supplies.
The GDN previously reported that children from the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) inaugurated LuLu Hypermarkets’ ‘Back to School’ promotion in Ramli Mall at a fun-filled event.
Some of the best brands of school supplies, backpacks, bags, laptop bags, trolley bags and the best quality stationery are on promotion at LuLu Hypermarkets until September 17.
All school supplies from A to Z are covered in the promotion – from school uniform supplies staples like shirts and blouses in comfortable fabrics to shoes, stylish yet comfortable garments and all the schoolroom items to fill school bags with the best classroom supplies from top-quality global brands.
LuLu also has laptops, devices, gadgets and printers for online study as well as tabs at best prices along with top quality storage devices.
“There is a high demand for licences for promotional campaigns and discount offers. We receive requests regularly throughout the year, however, it increases during peak seasons from business owners,” said Industry and Commerce Ministry Consumer Research Group head Sana Khamis during an interview with Bahrain Television.
“There is an electronic system in place to submit requests and receive the required licence for these activities as well as pay the fees.
“This speeds up the process as in the past it was done through paperwork and physical appearance at the directorate and follow-up.
“There is confusion among consumers and establishment owners about the difference between promotional campaigns and discount offers and licences must be displayed clearly in stores otherwise owners are found in violation.”
According to Ms Khamis, discount offers consist of offering a specific percentage range of the price off on specific items, across the entire collection or at clearance sales which are done either prior to closing the store or changing the commercial activity.
She added that promotional campaigns – which have different fees depending on the nature – can be creative and innovative or standard such as ‘buy one get one free’ or ‘buy two get the third free’.
“We have two types of monitoring procedures, one is upon submission of the request and one after the process is complete, the licence granted and campaigns commence,” said Industry and Commerce Ministry Consumer Protection Directorate’s Consumer Protection Specialist Mohammed Al Kooheji.
“When we receive a request, the department concerned reviews it and ensures it is within the confines of regulations in place and then inspection campaigns are carried out to ensure it’s carried out according to the law.
“Consumers are the ministry’s eyes in the market and they ensure that campaigns and promotions are carried out correctly and they can submit complaints, comments or observations through our official channels which are available round the clock.”
Ms Khamis urged families to create a list of their needs prior to shopping based on their budget to ensure they purchase only what is needed.
She also said consumers should refrain from impulse purchases and overstocking as the ministry confirms ample quantities of supplies are available in the market.
reem@gdnmedia.bh
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