BAE Systems, the global defence, aerospace and security company, the Ministry of Education of the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Sail have joined forces to launch a schools’ leadership development initiative aimed at teaching eighty 15 and 16-year old Omani High School students, male and female, skills to enhance their decision making, communication and confidence.
The “Leadership in Schools” initiative was delivered by Oman Sail at the Corporate and Personal Development Centre in Mussanah over two days on 9 and 10 December. The students, from schools in Al Batinah South Governorate, took part in outdoor challenges on land and in the water using Oman Sail’s facilitators to develop valuable transferable skills such as problem-solving, integrity and creativity.
Matthew Foster, BAE Systems Oman General Manager, commented: “As part of our commitment to the youth of Oman, we are delighted to be working with Oman Sail to develop the leadership attributes and skills of young Omanis through the ‘Leadership in Schools’ program. This exciting and dynamic program takes schoolchildren out of their day-to-day routine and uses the power of sport and outdoor education to teach them softer skills that will be beneficial in later life. BAE Systems’ education programs in Oman ensure that young people experience new opportunities which will help them to be more productive, competitive and successful in the workplace and play a key role in their personal development.”
Ahmed Al Mamari, CPD Senior Facilitator at Oman Sail, said: “Together with BAE Systems, we are offering students a unique opportunity to learn how to work as a team, develop themselves, communicate more effectively and perform outside their comfort zone. The ultimate aim is to provide students with motivation and self- awareness by using sailing and outdoor activities to teach the skills that colleges and employers look for in an individual.”
On both days, forty students took part in practical exercises to instil leadership and teamwork values through to those requiring mental and physical agility.
Sailing has been proven to be an effective teaching tool and, as a result of Oman Sail’s commitment to increase participation, has provided opportunities for young Omani men and women to excel in new roles and explore diverse career paths. The ‘Leadership in Schools’ initiative forms part of Oman Sail’s Corporate and Personal Development programme (CPD), an initiative that uses the company’s expertise in developing international-level sporting athletes to teach the Omani youth skills that will help them succeed in education and their career, and to fulfil their ambitions.
BAE Systems is a strong supporter of education and training as part of the company’s commitment to developing the skills of young people in the wider community in which they operate. In Oman the company actively supports education and skills development in schools and colleges, as well as offering opportunities for Omani students to join its graduate program in the UK and supporting Chevening Scholarships in Oman.
Established in 2008, Oman Sail is a national initiative that uses the power of sport to contribute to the development of the Omani people. The equal opportunity project runs sailing programmes for thousands of young Omani men and women, inspiring a new generation to discover sailing.
