Meethaq ‘Little Investor’ scheme to cover 4,000 students

MUSCAT: Coinciding with the new academic year, Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, in association with Injaz Oman and the Ministry of Education, is all set to impart financial literacy to 4,000 school students across the Sultanate.

The bank hosted a training session for school teachers and volunteers as part of the new phase of ‘Little Investor’ programme to train students on the fundamentals of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The programme held at the bank’s head office was attended by a large turn-out of school teachers from across the Sultanate.

In the first phase, the ‘Little Investor’ programme successfully covered 1,000 students. The programme focusing on students, who represent the future of Oman, inculcates a healthy savings habit as well as motivates them to develop entrepreneurial thinking and skills from an early age.

The ‘Little Investor’ programme is a component of the Imprints initiative launched by the bank. Reaching out to the nation against the backdrop of prevailing economic and social situation, the Imprints initiative seeks to unite people in making a difference in reciprocating to what the country has given them. The initiative marks a big step in the public-private partnership in making lasting contributions to society and the nation.

Highly ambitious in its scope and reach, the Imprints initiative is a unique public-private partnership launched by Bank Muscat in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism, Muscat Municipality and the Public Authority for Consumer Protection. The four pillars of the Imprints initiative are focused on programmes to inculcate financial literacy, promote sustainable tourism, sustain green environment and encourage enriched lifestyle.

Injaz Oman is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at enhancing the skills of youth and increasing their participation in the economy by bridging the gap between the knowledge acquired through education and the skills required by the job market. Injaz supports students to develop leadership, entrepreneurial business, problem-solving, communication, and soft skills through a series of workshops conducted by volunteers.

Meethaq is well positioned to provide Islamic financial expertise to diverse segments and thereby promote the good of society as a whole. Meethaq has adopted the best practices in Islamic banking and finance worldwide to combine a robust model which protects customers and complements the Islamic banking industry.

Meethaq remains committed to social responsibility initiatives contributing to sustainable development in Oman. At a time when Islamic finance is consolidating its role in supporting economic and social development, Meethaq reckons sustainable social development as a great opportunity to complement the country’s progress and development.