A host of comprehensive programmes which would help local youth secure jobs of their choice is under way with special focus on Al Batinah North Governorate which includes Sohar, the industrial nucleus of the country, along with Shinas, Saham, Liwa, Khabourah and Suwaiq.

To this effect, a dedicated team is currently involved in social dialogue with many stakeholders to develop potential projects, as entrusted by Jusoor, a CSR Foundation, which was formed recently as a joint venture of Vale, Sohar Aluminium and Orpic, which translated their social commitment and vision of sustainable development in Oman into an initiative which is the first-of-its-kind in the country.

Among the major projects which focus on education involving training followed by employment, a large number of youngsters from the governorate will be employed after due training in their desired field with the partner firms. The objective of these programmes is to provide the job-seekers in this governorate with the skills and knowledge they need to be enrolled in the labour market and ensure their employment as well.

Speaking to the Observer, Dr Hamed Hashim al Dhahab, CEO, Jusoor Foundation, said that during the first board meeting, the board endorsed seven projects to be implemented under the four focus areas adopted by the foundation. 'The foundation has recently concluded a tailoring training programme for 50 women from low income families in Liwa and Sohar. The project aimed at enhancing their skills in tailoring and granting them free sewing machines to help them support their families,' Dr Hamed added.

Under this focus area, Jusoor has recently announced 90 training opportunities with secured job after successfully completing the programme in Vale. This focuses on youth from the social insurance families in Sohar, Liwa and Shinas. It entails a 2-year theoretical and on job training for the candidates in welding and lubricating, and following their successful completion of the training they will be directly hired by Vale.

Other similar projects are in the pipeline, which will result in training and employment of around 400 job-seekers. 'Many other projects are in the loop and being planned by the foundation team with different strategic partners from the government and the private sector. Entrepreneurship is one of the main focus areas that Jusoor works in. By supporting the small and medium enterprises and by supporting the ambitious youth Jusoor aspires to set the foundation for a new generation of SMEs who through the proper coaching and mentoring would spearhead the economic growth of the country'.
Following the co-operation agreement signed between the three companies, the Foundation will act as the medium through which the three companies activate their social responsibility role and support the implementation of sustainable projects that add value to the community.

The vision of establishing a social responsibilities foundation was mutually shared by the three companies, and the signing of the co-operation agreement has paved the way for realising this vision.