Launch of STEMinds, a Research and Innovation Initiative

In partnership with the Department of Innovation and Scientific Olympiad at the Ministry of Education (MoE), Al Jisr Foundation launched a 3 year educational initiative that aims to assist students in developing the skills and positive attitudes required to succeed in today’s world. The opening ceremony was held in the German University of Technology under the Auspices of HE Sheikh Ali Nasser Al Mahrouqi, State Council Member.

Al Jisr Foundation signed an agreement with YouThinkers, a group of talented Omani professionals with extensive experience in the field of Learning and Development, to be the initiative’s implementing partner. YouThinkers will be conducting the interactive workshops by incorporating edutainment methods to equip the students with the skills needed to innovate.

The initiative is divided into 3 phases: awareness, technical and implementation. Each phase will consist of a variety of workshops, educational trips and motivational talks and enrichment activities that will equip the students with the required skills to innovate as a means to provide solutions to issues in their communities.

Dr. Maya bint Saeed Al-Azaria, an educational expert in charge of the Department of Innovation and Scientific Olympiad, said that the initiative is “within the framework of the Ministry of Education to promote and refine the skills of students. This initiative will contribute to the development of their research and creative skills as a means to find solutions to problems in the all areas of life.”

“Al Jisr Foundation is delighted to launch this programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and our implementing partner YouThinkers.” Stated Dina Al Khalili, Head of Al Jisr Foundation. “This programme is carefully designed to raise awareness and instill the culture of research, innovation and critical thinking among the youth in general, building on the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to prepare our youth with the right mix of skills necessary to thrive in a fast changing world” she added.

The objectives of the initiative also includes minimizing the gap between the skills of high-school graduates and the skills required in the job market and allowing students to shape their career path at an early age. It also compliments Oman’s National Strategy for Innovation 2040 and is in line with the 9th Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to establish a national economy based on innovation and diversifying sources of income.

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