KAUST Social Responsibility Launches 2019-20 Skills Development Program in Thuwal

The 2019-20 Capacity Building Program (CBP) for Thuwal young professionals began in October, co-ordinated by KAUST Social Responsibility.  The CBP aims to provide targeted personal and professional development opportunities, enabling increasing economic independence for the local workforce.    This year’s program comprises two modules – intensive English language training and IT skills development that will lead to Computer Information Technology (CIT) certification.

The 2019-20 program will be delivered in two phases, to women and men in Thuwal.  Following a successful recruitment and selection process for female candidates, the initial module of English language training was delivered by the British Council to 26 learners, comprising 60 hours of tuition, with daily two hour classes over a six week period.  Divided into two ability groups of beginners and intermediate, the sessions were held in a bright and airy classroom in the Albir Center in the center of Thuwal.

The current ladies’ cohort are looking forward to beginning the course.  One summarized the group’s anticipation by saying, “We want this course, helping us communicate in English will open up job opportunities for us.   We’re excited to begin, to improve our connections to the world.”

Successful completion of the English language training enables participants to apply to enroll on the Computer Information Technology course.  The CIT course will develop the students’ computer literacy, equipping them with skills and experience in using Word, Excel, Outlook and Access applications, all essential attributes to potential employers.  KAUST has appointed IT training company New Horizons to provide the training onsite in the KAUST campus, in teaching spaces equipped with computers, with classroom support from KAUST volunteers.

Social Responsibility works in partnership with local stakeholders, including Thuwal community members and employers to ascertain current personnel needs and training requirements.  This close collaboration ensures that the Capacity Building Program remains dynamic, with the flexibility to adjust its content to provide tailored, relevant and effective training resources. 

    

Part of the Capabilities Development Program - read more in the Program Overview here.

KAUST Social Responsibility is dedicated to advancing the KAUST mission of being a good neighbor and responsible citizen, and ensuring that intellectual and social capital is used to sustainably improve quality of life in our neighboring communities.  If you are a KAUST resident and would like to know more about Social Responsibility Volunteer opportunities, please send an email to volunteer@kaust.edu.sa.

October 29, 2019