HSBC Bank ME, British Council host 2nd Taqaddam workshop

Manama: HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd and the British Council are hosting their second workshop in Manama this week as part of the youth development programme Taqaddam. 

Over 200 students from 10 schools are participating in the workshop, which is the culmination of a seven week programme designed to equip young Bahrainis with a wide set of enduring personal and professional strengths and skills that will enable them to lead successful and fulfilling lives.

 Capping the programme is the ‘Future Ideas’ competition, which asks the students to devise an innovative idea that addresses key global challenges related to the environment, health or community well-being. 

“We have been so proud to see the development and growth of the students who have participated in this pilot programme,” said Sabrin Rahman, Head of Corporate Sustainability MENA from HSBC. 

“Our aim has been to provide these young people with an opportunity to develop personal skills and capabilities that will enable them to successfully transition from school into the next stage of their lives. It is vital for employers to be a part of this journey from early on and this is why we hope a practical programme such as Taqaddam helps increase their confidence and motivation on many different levels.” 

This week’s workshop is highlighting several life-changing topics and areas of development, including how to take initiative, critical thinking and effective communication.

Local teachers have been helping to drive the programme and supporting the students throughout, by facilitating weekly ‘strength discussions’ in their classes and monitoring the students’ progress as they go.

The content for Taqaddam, which means ‘Move Forward’ in Arabic, has been delivered by Spark and Mettle, a youth development charity based in London that supports and enables young people to identify, articulate and improve key character strengths, while also building their ‘soft skills’ for a brighter future.

 “Good life skills help young people to get along with others, contribute to society, and have the confidence to believe ‘I can’,” said Gail Campbell, Director Education at British Council, MENA.