Muscat: In line with the International Day of Education, and in celebration of a profound impact on more than 25,000 participants over its 14 years of operation, Outward Bound Oman hosted a special event focusing on the role of experiential learning in achieving national SDGs.
The event welcomed a team of experts from KPMG, who presented a detailed overview showcasing the impact of Outward Bound Oman courses, following a dynamic panel discussion on how experiential learning drives progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel consisted of HH Sayyid Dr Fahad bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University; Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education; Dr Manal al Khanbashi, Head of Research and Project Development team at Oman Implementation and Follow-up Unit; and Mohammed al Zadjali, COO of Outward Bound Oman.
During the event, KPMG presented the result of a comprehensive social study about Outward Bound Oman courses, which mapped the outcomes into 5 personality traits of the beneficiaries which were experienced through challenging outdoor experiential courses, character development, employability, physical, social and mental well-being, building resilience and relationship with environment. The study concluded that every RO 1 invested in Outward Bound Oman programmes has created RO 10.5 of social value.
The panel discussion on the other end focused on how experiential learning is addressed and incorporated on different educational institutes in Oman, as well as its contribution to Oman’s long-term vision for sustainable development set out in Oman Vision 2040.
Richard Lewis, the newly appointed Executive Director of Outward Bound Oman, stated that “This event was not only a celebration of shared accomplishments, but also an opportunity to express our deepest appreciation to those who have been instrumental in our endeavours. The Outward Bound principles we uphold, coupled with the generous support from organisations such as KPMG, have allowed us to articulate our social return on investment.
"Our vision goes beyond the boundaries of experiential learning; it is rooted in a commitment to advance the prosperity of the Sultanate of Oman. We see ourselves as dynamic forces for positive transformation, aiming to uplift lives and communities through innovative and inclusive initiatives.
"The outstanding support from KPMG has enabled us to detail the impact we've made, and we are proud to be steadfast ambassadors of experiential learning, contributing significantly to Oman's sustainable growth. Our dedication to championing the youth of Oman is unwavering, and through the principles of Outward Bound, we strive to make a lasting impact on individuals and organisations alike.”
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