Muscat, February 1st 2015

Organised by the National Career Guidance Centre of the Ministry of Education in association with Oman Oil Company (OOC), the youth entrepreneurship programme, 'Ghaytuh' recently concluded its first phase for this year's edition with participation of 120 students from all across the Sultanate. For the first time in its three year history, students were brought to Muscat from all Governorates to participate in a series of group training sessions to become future pioneers and entrepreneurs.

The comprehensive workshops and training activities were conducted by the local coaching company, Prosper Consultancy at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat. Held annually to support Grade 10 students build their 21st century and entrepreneurship skills, 'Ghaytuh' also educated them on how to develop original business ideas, run successful enterprises and ultimately give back to their communities.

"We have expanded the 'Ghaytuh' programme to cover all public and private schools across the Sultanate. A total of 120 students took part in the first phase in Muscat including 12 students from Al Amal School for the Deaf in Wilayat Baushar. Our main objective is to introduce students to alternative career paths. In addition, we are helping them develop leadership skills and encouraging them to appreciate the value of owning and running their own businesses," said Ghareeb bin Nasser Al Dhawyani, Assistant Director of Career Guidance and Counselling Department at the National Career Guidance Centre. "Our curriculum included both theoretical and practical learning. The students took part in various tailored training workshops and we provided them with hands-on experience on how to start a company, sell their product and meet with established successful entrepreneurs for knowledge sharing."

Al Dhawyani added, "I would like to thank all our partners including Oman Oil Company, Prosper Consultancy and the Knowledge Oasis Muscat for their support in making this initiative a huge success that will raise the students' awareness on the endless possibilities available for them as tomorrow's entrepreneurs."  

Al Mutassim Al Sariri, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Oman Oil Company said, "The development of Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is an important process that directly feeds into the national economy. These enterprises provide job opportunities, encourage innovation and contribute to diversified sources of income. Therefore, we value our strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education in bringing 'Ghaytuh' to life every year and ensuring its success. We will continue to support programmes such as 'Ghaytuh', as well as other entrepreneurship initiatives that hone the skillsets of Omani youth and help them assume their roles in building a prosperous future for the entire nation." 

Highlighting the selection criteria for students, Khalid bin Hilal Al Harasi, Career Guidance Supervisor in the Governorate of Al-Dakhiliyah said, "The 2015 edition of the programme is underway after months of preparations and meetings to finalise all details related to the selection criteria, which included the level of engagement of applicants in similar entrepreneurship activities, innovative skills and their willingness to be part of a team." He added, "Governorates were responsible to screen applicants whereby a total of 14 were selected from each according to the guidelines put by the Center prior to contacting the students' families to explain all related details."           

Maitha' bint Abdullah Al Jabri, Career Guidance Supervisor in the Governorate of Al Batinah North said, "My participation in the 'Ghaytuh' programme for the second year has been a rewarding experience that helped me gain valuable skills in training these young individuals, ensuring they benefit from all activities offered. This is a great initiative that is empowering us as supervisors to help students acquire qualities of entrepreneurs including teamwork, taking initiative, innovation, time management and agility."

Ibrahim bin Yaqoub Al Hadrami, one of the students from Al Amal School for the Deaf expressed his excitement, "I am delighted to be involved in 'Ghaytuh' and represent other deaf students. This participation is important as it provides me with the required information to be able to take the right career path and be an active part of the society either through employment, or on how I can become an entrepreneur. Therefore, I suggest that the programme provides us with the training manuals and brochures that are compatible with our needs to ensure successful results." 

After the students' participation in the training activities in Muscat, they will return home and implement the created business plans and start selling their products. Then, a review committee with judges representing both the public and private sectors will audit and evaluate the students' implementation of their projects. The participants will then be asked to showcase their products at an SME convention held at the end of the programme as part of a graduation ceremony expected to take place early May 2015.

-Ends-

About Oman Oil Company
Oman Oil Company S.A.O.C (OOC) is a commercial company wholly owned by the Government established in 1996 to pursue investment opportunities in the wider energy sector both inside and outside Oman. The Company plays an important role in the Sultanate's efforts to diversify the economy and to promote domestic and foreign investments as well as fostering and building human capital.

For more information, please contact:
Jamal Al Masrouri                                                     
Shaza Taher

Corporate Communications Manager                      
Associate Media Relations Director

Oman Oil Company                                                   
TRACCS

Email:  jamal.almasrouri@oman-oil.com                 
Email: shaza.taher@traccs.net

© Press Release 2015