Sunday, April 05, 2015

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has signed a 3 year memorandum of understanding with Outward Bound Oman to secure support to the non-governmental organization in its mission to equip the youth of Oman with practical life skills.

The MOU was signed by the His Highness Sayyid Faisal Bin Turki Al Said, Patron of Outward Bound and Raoul Restucci, Managing Director of PDO. The renewal of the partnership marks PDO's commitment to building the capacity of Omani youth across the Sultanate through a range of tools and methods. This includes practical training, SME support, women empowerment programmes, exposure opportunities, internships, scholarships and other initiatives aimed at fulfilling the nation's directive to empower Omani youth.

The first three years of the partnership extended its benefits to over 200 students from across the Sultanate by funding adventure trips into the desert or up in the Omani Jebels. Thus, creating opportunities for the youth to experience Oman's wilderness whilst developing skills such as navigation, leadership, teamwork, discourse etc., based on the guiding principle that each individual has undiscovered potential that shines through given the circumstances. The students are stretched both mentally and physically, and are put in situations where an appreciation of risk, reward and responsibility for one's self, others and the environment are a natural outcome and equip them with a skill set they can use in their everyday life.

"It is imperative to acknowledge that a nation's future lies in its youth. As part of our social responsibility efforts, we seek to empower Omani youth by providing them with unconventional and transformational learning opportunities. Outward Bound Oman provides them with a unique platform to innovate, and create opportunities for themselves to lead the way" Raoul Restucci, PDO's MD commented.

His Highness Sayyid Faisal Bin Turki Al Said, Patron of Outward Bound added "We are grateful to PDO's continued support and welcome its volunteer mentor's to our unique educational experience where they can interact directly with the youth and Omani wilderness for a memorable experience."

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Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is the major exploration and production company in the Sultanate. It accounts for about 70% of the country's crude-oil production and nearly all of its natural-gas supply. The Company is owned by the Government of Oman (which has a 60% interest), the Shell Group (which has a 34% interest), Total (which has a 4% interest) and Partex (which has a 2% interest). Gas fields and processing plants are operated by PDO exclusively on behalf of the Government.

For further information please contact Media Relations & Social Media Strategist
Dana Al Sarhani
Tel.: +968 24678258
Mobile: +968 93658711
E-mail: dana.ds.sarhani@pdo.co.om

© Press Release 2015