Five hundred needy Bahraini students are set to receive financial support throughout their education as part of a new initiative. Royal Charity Organisation Board of Trustees head Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has organised the drive to mark the birth of his sons Hamad and Mohammed.

It aims to provide talented students from less privileged backgrounds with financial support so they can go to university and will assist them throughout their transition into the job market.

The project will be the first of the newly formed Nasser bin Hamad Charitable Foundation and follows talks between Shaikh Nasser and Education Ministry, Bahrain University and Labour Ministry officials.

A series of meetings will take place in the coming weeks to select beneficiaries.

The charitable foundation hopes to build on the achievements of Shaikh Nasser Youth Programmes and incorporate it with the expertise of international organisations.

It aims to act as a catalyst in nurturing young people's potential and promoting their talents and abilities.

The foundation has been in the pipeline for two years but was set back by last year's unrest and regional turmoil.

"Regardless where one stands, no one will question the fact that our world is going through turbulent times, whether it be economic crisis, natural disasters, or political and social instabilities," said Shaikh Nasser. "Therefore, more than ever before, those able are obligated to extend a helping hand to their neighbours, friends, the needy and the underprivileged without any reservation."

A high-level royal delegation, headed by Shaikh Nasser, is now in the UK meeting with international philanthropic organisations and academic institutions to learn from their experience and assess potential joint ventures.