MUSCAT: Outstanding Omani students started their educational journey recently at the Oxford International Study Centre in the United Kingdom, one of the oldest British training institutes.
The students had the opportunity to participate in the fourth edition of Duqm Refinery’s Leadership Programme for Outstanding Students, which is fully funded by Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries and implemented by Takatuf Oman.
To enhance its partnership with the community, Duqm Refinery has launched various initiatives as part of its social investment programme that gives utmost priority to the development of youth.
The company recognises the importance of investing in young people and has committed financial and moral support to various initiatives aimed at building their capabilities.
The programme this year builds on the great success of the previous three years.
The programme, designed to enhance the English language and leadership skills of selected students, seeks also to develop the social and educational skills of students by exposing them to a new environment where they can interact with students from different cultures around the world.
This exposure helps the students to develop their social and educational skills significantly. The programme also includes entertainment programmes such as visits to historical and cultural sites to introduce students to new cultures.
Jasim bin Hassan al Ajmi, Head of Corporate Identity and Culture at Duqm Refinery, reiterated OQ8’s commitment to preparing future leaders which is an integral part of the company’s social investment programme.
He noted that this initiative, funded entirely by Duqm Refinery in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Takaful Oman, is part of these efforts.
“Duqm Refinery has been keen to offer this opportunity to students from all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. He also pointed out that the selection process used several criteria including academic excellence. During their 40-day long stay at Oxford International Study Centre for 40 days, the twenty students will be accompanied by mentors throughout their studies outside the Sultanate of Oman during the summer”, he concluded.
Dr Qasim al Maamari, Supervisor of Scholarships at Takatuf Oman, expressed his pride in partnering with Duqm Refinery to implement this Programme, which he believes will contribute to building the capabilities of Omani youth and preparing them for the university stage.
The students were selected based on specific evaluation criteria developed by Takaful Oman in coordination with Duqm Refinery, including academic performance.
He added that the programme provides unmatched opportunities for good students to develop their English language skills through learning outside the school environment and to develop other life skills such as leadership, communication, and independence.
Student exchange programmes during their school years help enhance their confidence and broaden their cultural experiences through exploring new cultures and engaging in experiences they are not used to during their school learning period,” Al Maamari added.
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