Over 55,000 benefit from BP Oman’s social initiatives
Times News Service
MUSCAT: BP Oman celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Social Investment Programme (SIP) at Crowne Plaza, yesterday. The scheme has invested $13.3 million in local communities, benefitting more than 55,000 people.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Eng. Yousuf Al Ojaili, BP’s President of Oman; other excellencies and representatives of partner companies.
“Our Social Investment Programme is uniquely designed to cover three major areas – education, enterprise development and energy sustainability,” said Eng. Yousuf Al Ojaili.
“BP Oman has invested $13.3million and has supported several community partners, reaching every wilayat in the country. The celebration allowed us to reflect on the positive impact this programme has had on the communities in which we live and work, while also providing an outlook for the future,” he added.
The programme is designed to engage people of all ages and genders, giving everyone an equal opportunity for growth.
BP Oman’s SIP launched in 2014 with the objective of supporting sustainable socio-economic development in the local community, directly targeting young Omanis, entrepreneurs and the communities in which BP operates.
Guests heard from Othman Al Manthari, Chief Executive Officer of InnoTech, who shed light on his journey as a beneficiary of BP Oman’s SIP, participating in SME and financial workshops. Riyada’s 2017 “Best Omani Entrepreneur” later became a SIP partner, raising awareness of 3D technologies and applications. The event featured an exhibition, recognising partner programmes in science, technology,engineering and math (STEM), solar energy and other fields.
The night also recognised partners INJAZ Oman, Oman Sail, Fund for Development of Youth Projects (Sharakah), Environment Society of Oman(ESO), Sultan Qaboos University, Global Connections Centre(Tawasul), Innovation Factory, Al Raffd Fund, The Firm for Business and Economic Consulting, National Training Fund and their media partner, Bayan Tebyan with certificates of appreciation.
The fifth edition of the SIP had 13 new partners and 15 initiatives. STEM and skills for life programme were highlights of the edition.