Muscat: The Ministry of Education signed an agreement with the Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company, OQ8, to fund the third edition of the English language development programme for students of Duqm schools, grades (10-12) in Al Wusta Governorate.
The agreement was signed by Majid Al-Sinawi, Director General of the Directorate-General of Education in Al-Wusta Governorate, and Jassim Al-Ajmi, Head of Corporate Identity and Work Culture of the company, in the presence of HE Majid bin Saeed Al-Bahri, Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs, and Nasiha bint Muhammad Al-Falahi, Executive Vice President for Affairs of Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries OQ8. The signing of the agreement took place in the office of the Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs.
In the current academic year 2022/2023, the programme targets sixty students from the schools of Duqm and will last for seven months. It is implemented during the evening period by the Department of Educational Studies and International Cooperation at the Ministry, in partnership with the British Council, to provide qualitative support in learning the English language, represented in providing students with English language skills, self-development, time management, teamwork and other twenty-first century skills.
The agreement aims to strengthen partnership with private sector institutions, develop cooperation with these companies in international educational initiatives, programmes and projects, support student learning in Al Wusta Governorate, and develop their English language level, given its importance in their professional future.
The Director-General of the Directorate-General of Education in Al Wusta Governorate stated, saying: “The Ministry appreciates the initiative of the Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company OQ8 in supporting efforts aimed at finding educational opportunities for students in the English language, and keeping pace with the rapid transformation in the curricula and skills of the labor market, indicating that this partnership comes to emphasise the important role and desired effective contribution of the private sector in the next stage, and to achieve Oman Vision 2040.”
Jassim Al-Ajmi, Head of Corporate Identity and Work Culture at Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries OQ8, said: “This initiative is part of the company’s social investment initiatives, which are primarily based on strengthening the capabilities of human cadres, developing them, and raising their efficiency. As part of our commitment to developing the capabilities and skills of students in Al Wusta Governorate and encouraging them to exert more efforts for the advancement of our country, Duqm Refinery seeks to play a leading and effective role in the field of local community development, through its social investment program, training, and rehabilitation programmes, as well as initiatives developing and supporting entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises.”
Ellie Kennedy Maclean, Director of the British Council in Saudi Arabia, and Acting Director of the British Council in Oman, said: “We are pleased to support the implementation of the Schools Development Program in the Wilayat of Duqm, which aims to enhance the English language skills of students in the Sultanate of Oman. As part of our commitment, this initiative will support the aspirations of a promising vision by creating educational opportunities and providing Omani youth with essential English language skills to thrive in life, work, and society.”
This agreement comes to translate the standpoint of social responsibility and sustainability, as education is one of its most important pillars, which comes within the framework of achieving the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, represented in the strategic direction “towards comprehensive education and sustainable learning, and scientific research that leads to a knowledge society and competitive national capabilities.”
