Fifteen Omani youth from low-income families undergoing training in foreign exchange transactions as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by bank muscat are progressing well to be employed with Global Exchange Company across the Sultanate.

The bank’s CSR team visited the youth at BahwanCybertek where the training is under way to enhance the skills of the beneficiaries and raise their level of economic and social status.

The training comes under the bank’s ‘Jesr Al Mustaqbal’ (Bridge to future) integrated CSR programme offering scholarships, training and rehabilitation directed to serve young Omanis dependent on social welfare and hailing from low-income families.

The 7-month training modules include basic English and business English and aspects covering foreign exchange trade and role of cashiers. Following theoretical classes, the trainees will have on-job training for two months.

The trainees upon successful completion of the training programme, will be absorbed in different branches of Global Exchange Company on a starting monthly salary of RO 300.

Early this year, bank muscat launched ‘Jesr al Mustaqbal’ (Bridge to future) programme in execution of the directive of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to provide relevant educational and training opportunities to Omani youth to develop employable skills.

To ensure continuity and success of the unique programme, the bank has allocated 20 per cent of its CSR budget for the programme.

A CSR official of the bank said “Jesr al Mustaqbal programme is aimed at helping young Omanis to receive proper education and vocational training that will enable them to develop employable skills and improve their living standards, social and economic status.

This will also encourage them to positively participate in the service of society and development of the country.”

The bank is committed to corporate social responsibility and thereby contributes towards sustainable development by working closely with local communities with the aim of improving living standards in a manner that serves the national economy and development process at the same time.

bank muscat is the first Omani bank to establish a full-fledged CSR department. Considered among core values, the CSR policy stems from the bank’s strong belief in the importance of social responsibility. It reflects the bank’s concern and care for various segments of society.

The bank is of the view that its social responsibility is not merely participation in charitable works and organisation of voluntary campaigns, but responsibility towards all-round development of society.