Muscat – February 8th 2017: Oman Sail and BP Oman celebrated the achievement of the latest class to complete the “Khazzan Young Leaders Programme” with a ceremony held on Wednesday at Grand Hormuz Hotel under the patronage of HE Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas. The programme has followed His Majesty’s vision for the youth of Oman by helping students from 13 colleges and universities across the country to reach their potential and become the next generation of leaders.
The concept, originally developed by BP Oman, uses Oman Sail’s expertise in corporate personal development to prioritise experiential learning and teach students important leadership and problem-solving skills to help them overcome challenges and think creatively. Three years on, 1700 Omanis have benefited from this programme.
David Graham, Oman Sail CEO, said, “Oman Sail has developed Omani GCC Youth Sailing Champions, World Record Holders, and World Title Winners. These accolades require a clear vision, team work, self-management, discipline, purposeful training, and dedication. These Omani successes are where our inspiration came from to develop the Khazzan Young Leaders’ Programme.”
“Together with BP Oman, we have created a visionary programme which instils self-confidence and breeds success with the goal of generating long-term benefits for the students, their colleges and for the future of Oman. Each and every student completing the programme returns to their studies with a new perspective, new focus, set goals and a wide variety of skills which will have a positive impact throughout their careers.”
Yousuf Al Ojaili, President of BP Oman, said, “We are proud of the achievements of the students, the course facilitators and Oman Sail, with whom we have worked hand-in-hand to bring leadership and the development of interpersonal skills to the very forefront of developing people. Our investment in the future of Oman centres on sustainability and long-term benefit, and since conception, this has been a trailblazing programme which continues to change the lives of young Omanis for the better.” He added, “We would like to thank the Ministry of Oil and Gas and our partner, Oman Oil Company Exploration and Production (OOCEP) for their continuous support towards BP Oman’s Social Investment Programmes.”
The programme challenges students with physical activities which many are taking part in for the first time. The practical exercises focus on sailing and camping, and how to respond when under pressure outside of their comfort zone. These experiences are designed to work alongside their academic learning to provide young Omanis with transferable skills which will last a lifetime while delivering tangible and measurable value for the Sultanate of Oman.
In addition to training students, BP Oman and Oman Sail have also created employment opportunities for eight Omanis who have become course trainers. Following completion of Oman Sail’s training course, the group are all now credible and able facilitators who have shared the key components of the Khazzan Young Leaders Programme with schools, youth groups and the corporate sector.
