Omran, Outward Bound Oman join hands
MUSCAT — Omran, the government’s tourism development and investment arm, has announced a joint partnership with Outward Bound Oman/Tahaddi to deliver two outdoor personal development courses for Omani youth, the first of which will be launched tomorrow. The course, which will last for three days on Jebal Akdhar, uses the outdoor environment to physically and mentally challenge the young participants and help them develop life skills sought by employers, thus helping bridge the gap between educational environments and the workplace.
The students will carry all their own supplies including water and sleeping equipment, prepare their own food, and draw on their teamwork, initiative, communication and perseverance skills to solve a series of problems and challenges. This unique initiative is a first in Oman, which recognises the importance of training and development for local people, and supports the commitment by the government to develop the nation’s human resources in accordance with Oman’s Vision 2020.
Wael al Lawati, Chief Executive Officer, Omran, said: “As an organisation with a clear commitment to corporate social responsibility, Omran is proud to be working closely with Outward Bound Oman to support the first two courses with students participating from schools in Musannah. This is the first Outward Bound programme in any Arabic speaking nation, a clear sign of the importance the government gives for developing the skills and talent of young people.
“Through courses such as these the young participants not only gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them but they also develop confidence in their own abilities which will help them achieve success in classrooms and in their future careers.”
Mark Evans, General Manager, Outward Bound Oman, said: “Outward Bound Oman and Omran share many of the same environmental and responsible tourism values, and both aim to help promote the country’s rich natural environment and unique culture.
We are thankful to Omran for their support for the programme which offers young people from Musannah an opportunity of a lifetime, and for playing a leading role in the development of the country.” Outward Bound Oman also has the backing of the Ministry of Education which has supported the organisation since its inception in May 2009. Thuraya al Hosni from the Ministry of Education said: “Outward Bound Oman is a wonderful project which takes students out of the classroom into the natural environment and helps them develop a variety of life skills. We are happy to support the programme to maximise the potential of the young people.”
Outward Bound Oman is a not-for-profit educational initiative dedicated to using the outdoors to develop the life skills of young people in Oman. It was set up in May by the founding partners BG Oman, Denton Wilde Sapte, Shell and Suhail Bahwan.
By Staff Reporter
© Oman Daily Observer 2009
