Duqm Refinery and Oman Sail have signed a pioneering agreement to improve the employability prospects of 100 students and young Omani graduates, by connecting them with Oman’s maritime heritage.

A signing ceremony was held at Oman Sail’s headquarters, in presence of H.E. Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Chairwoman of Oman Sail, and Eng. Hilal bin Ali Al Kharusi, Deputy Chairman of Duqm Refinery and Mr David Graham, CEO, Oman Sail. The agreement outlined the launch of a project consisting of two programmes targeting grade 11 students and youth.

Both programmes will combine theory and outdoor practical activities, using experiential learning to develop interpersonal skills such as communication, decision making and resilience which are relevant and highly valued in the workplace.

The project, named Al Nokheda – which means the ship’s captain in Arabic, marks a further extension of Duqm Refinery’s already significant Corporate Social Responsibility activities in the local community in Al Wusta governorate and across the Sultanate.

On this occasion, Nas-ha bint Mohammed Al Fallahia, General Manager of Corporate Affairs in Duqm Refinery stated, “We are strongly determined and committed to have a positive impact on the lives and job prospects of young people in the Al Wusta community and Oman as a whole”.

 

Al Fallahia elaborated further: “Duqm Refinery is the growth engine in the Special Economic Zone of Duqm and has made provision for development opportunities for the local community.” She further added, “Right from the outset, we wanted to play an integral role in the education and training of Oman’s youth. This partnership with Oman Sail will allow us to contribute to the development of our young people, whilst giving them an insight into Oman’s significant maritime heritage”.

Oman Sail CEO David Graham said: “We are delighted to launch this important new programme with Duqm Refinery. Their recognition of Oman’s rich maritime heritage is an exact match with Oman Sail’s mission, as is their focus on youth development.

“Our Corporate and Personal Development team has been highly successful over several years working alongside schools, colleges and businesses. We look forward to working with Duqm Refinery to make the Al Nokhedha project a tremendous success.”

The programme will be delivered in Arabic by a 100 per cent Omani team from Oman Sail’s Corporate and Personal Development (CPD) department. Oman Sail has previously provided youth development programmes to over 3,000 college and 1,500 school students, as well as leadership and management training to more than 20 corporate clients, including the ground-breaking Khazzan Young Leaders’ Programme initiative with BP Oman.

The training courses will include the schools’ programme for 16 and 17 year-olds, which will run from 4th to 6th November, with students selected by the Ministry of Education. Omani youth aged from 18 to 25 and selected by the Ministry of Manpower will participate in their programme from 11th to 13th November.

Duqm Refinery aims to engage in all segments of society by investing in social responsibility initiatives. One of their programmes is “The Science of Refinery”; an initiative that aims to inspire school children in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Offering opportunities to young Omanis, “Marefa” aims to provide employment skills development and training, whilst Duqm Refinery’s flagship programme “Wadha” tackles issues around empowering and building the capacity of women in the Al Wusta region and across the Sultanate.

To enable delivery of its projects, Duqm Refinery has created “Sawaed”, an internal programme designed especially for its staff. Employees are encouraged to dedicate part of their time to becoming programme volunteers, offering a significant contribution to the implementation of its social responsibility initiatives throughout the Governorate of Al Wusta and across the Sultanate.