BP Oman, OBO deliver life skills courses to pupils
Since October 2016, BP Oman, through its Social Investment Programme (SIP), has been collaborating with Outward Bound Oman (OBO) to enhance the capabilities of pupils in government schools across the country, including those with special needs. Last month, the programme came to an end for this year. Over the last 7 months OBO has delivered 10 courses to 292 students from six different governorates of Oman; including Muscat, Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, 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 — all skills that will help participants carve out future, successful careers. The majority of the ten courses involved participants undertaking a 4 day adventurous journey in either the desert or mountains. However, two courses were held inside schools rather than outdoors. These courses were especially designed for girls from the interior and aimed to give them a taster of a proper outdoors OBO course, so as to motivate them to join one in future.
“We are delighted to continue the journey of success with OBO for the third year. This year, the course has expanded to reach 6 governorates 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 Social Investment Programme Officer. On average, the life skills courses work with 18 students. Over the four days they go on a journey of self-discovery. Through a combination of a challenging expedition across wild terrain, setting up camp, cooking, group activities and fire-side discussions students learn more about themselves and their own abilities. The adventurous journey forces students out of their comfort zone. They have to work together as a team to reach the end, learning the importance of good communication, organisation and leadership along the way — all skills that are highly prized by employers.
“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 Al Amal Deaf School.
The courses were a huge success in terms of boosting student confidence, teaching them key skills sought by employers, delivering vital environmental awareness and the value of community service.
At the end of each course, students were asked to reflect on their learning over the four days.
The results showed that 97 per cent of students now understand that careful planning and clear communication are vital to achieving success. 95 per cent of students also agreed they were more confident as a result of the course and believed they were equipped with key skills needed to get a good job.