Oman education: Students get life skill lessons

A total of 292 students from across Oman have been trained in life skills since October last year by Outward Bound Oman.

Along with BP, Outward Bound Oman (OBO) has worked to enhance the capabilities of pupils, including those with special needs, in government schools across the Sultanate. 

Over the last seven months OBO has delivered 10 courses for 292 students from six different regions: Muscat, Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Dhakhilya, Al Buraimi and Musandam. 

The main focus of OBO’s courses is the development of life skills, such as responsibility, leadership, building confidence, communication and teamwork, skills that will help participants carve out a better future, and successful careers.

A majority of the 10 courses involved participants undertaking a four-day adventurous journey into either the desert or the mountains. However, two courses were held inside schools as well. These were especially designed for girls from the interiors and aimed to give them a taste of a proper OBO outdoor course.

“We are delighted to continue the journey of success with OBO for the third year. This year, the course has expanded to reach six regions, but kept its focus on long term, meaningful results that are designed to achieve specific, positive learning outcomes to support work done in the classroom.

“We have seen great results and we aim to continue supporting capability development programmes,” said Shamsa Ahmad Al Rawahi, BP Oman’s social investment programme officer. 

On an average, life skills courses work with 18 students. Over the four days, students go on a journey of self-discovery and through the combination of a challenging expedition across the wild terrain, setting up a camp, cooking, group activities and fire-side discussions, they learn more about themselves and their abilities.

“As a sports teacher, I have benefited from this course in many ways. I have learned new games and exercises, about the power of walking, the importance of preserving the environment and letting students face difficult challenges as a team. The most important thing for students was the feeling of happiness and self-satisfaction they experienced after activities,” said Asma Al Wakeel, teacher at the Al Amal Deaf School.

Mohammed Al Saadi, a student of the Al Khalil bin Ahmed Al Farahidi School, who was involved in the programme, said, “I used to feel that I couldn’t handle responsibilities. Now, after this course, I believe that I can take responsibility for myself. The course also helped change my thoughts about my future career. I am more self-reliant now, and convinced that I will be chosen for a job because I have attained skills that many others don’t have.”

Founded in 1941, Outward Bound among the world’s oldest human resource development organisations, with over 30 schools worldwide. Since its launch in Oman in 2009, OBO has helped unlock the potential of more than 8,500 students.

Source: Timesofoman