Culture & Education | Sunday 6 March, 2016 2:42 pm |

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited and the British Council have launched Taqaddam a new schools programme designed to support the development of life skills in 15-16 year olds across the Middle East and North Africa. 

A growing body of research is showing that the demand in the working world is shifting from an emphasis on left-brain skills such as subject matter knowledge and technical know-how, to right brain skills such as adaptability and imagination, however many MENA graduates appear to be lacking in this area. Taqaddam’s unique approach and course content imparts students with skills, confidence and lifelong learning to reflect these changing global needs and help with 21st century living.

Commenting on the launch of Taqaddam, Sabrin Rahman, Head of Corporate Sustainability, MENA at HSBC said; “The Taqaddam programme has been adopted in 90 schools across eight countries in the region. The focus of the course is to equip nearly 2,000 young men and women with ‘soft skills’ such as confidence, assertiveness, decision-making, and the ability to stay safe and healthy. These are essential in assisting young people to succeed today by giving them the skills for learning, life and work. We are truly delighted to be able to pioneer an innovative and engaging project such as Taqaddam in MENA in line with HSBC’s commitment to developing youth.” 

 

 

 

 

Taught over seven weeks, the course provides face-to-face workshops for teachers, helping to develop their capacity as educators in the area of core skills, followed by an online assessment for students and subsequent development courses delivered by trained teachers. 

Gail Campbell, Director Education Middle East and North Africa, British Council said; “Taqaddam’s approach reflects the complex requirements of the 21st century living. Through Taqaddam, HSBC and the British Council aim to deliver a sustainable programme that will adequately equip the next generation with the skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work.”

Course content within Taqaddam builds character strengths and soft skills such as; team working, creative and innovative thinking and organisation skills. It also seeks to instil principles of effective communication, critical thinking and taking the initiative. 

In the first pilot year, the programme will reach 1,620 15-16 year olds in Algeria, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt and Lebanon.