TMAKON expands youth empowerment drive

MUSCAT, SEPT 8
Oman Oil Marketing Company SAOG and the Youth Center have launched the fourth edition of the TMAKON programme for independent freelancers, aimed at developing the skills of young Omanis and enhancing their readiness to enter the freelance market through a journey combining training, development and practical application.
The programme attracted around 400 young men and women during the registration stage. Its fourth edition covers 15 fields: design and creative arts; photography and visual production; marketing and content creation; media and social media; management and entrepreneurship; technology and artificial intelligence; engineering and architecture; crafts and creative industries; culinary arts and food ventures; finance, law and governance; analysis and innovation; trade and sales; tourism and guiding; training and skills development; and electronic gaming.
The fourth edition will be delivered through three progressive stages, taking participants from training and skills development to launching their freelance careers and achieving practical empowerment. The programme will conclude with a final exhibition showcasing its most outstanding outcomes and the work developed by participants.
Held at the Youth Center, the launch event included remarks by Amira Al Balushi, Programmes Director at the Youth Center, and a representative of Oman Oil Marketing Company. It also featured an introduction delivered by TMAKON alumni and a presentation outlining the implementation approach, training workshops and different stages of the fourth edition.
Amira Al Balushi, Programmes Director at the Youth Center, said: “The fourth edition of TMAKON reflects the growing interest among young Omanis in freelance work and the importance of providing training opportunities that help them develop their capabilities and prepare for market requirements. Through the diverse fields covered by this edition, we aim to help participants strengthen their skills and transform their talents into viable professional opportunities with the potential to grow and succeed.”
Dr Ahmed bin Murad Al Balushi, Manager of Corporate Affairs at Oman Oil Marketing Company, said: “The strong response to the fourth edition of TMAKON demonstrates the breadth of talent and ambition among young Omanis. We believe that supporting them in building independent and sustainable career paths represents an investment in their future and in the development of the wider community.
“The programme provides participants with a clear journey that begins with training and skills development and extends to entering the freelance market with greater confidence and readiness. We look forward to following their progress and seeing the ideas and projects they will present at the final exhibition.”
Through TMAKON, Oman Oil Marketing Company and the Youth Center continue their efforts to develop young talent and provide practical opportunities that help young Omanis grow their businesses and strengthen their presence in the freelance market.