DOHA: The British Council in partnership with HSBC Bank Middle East and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has launched Taqaddam schools programme.

Taqaddam is a special initiative to support the development of life skills of 15-16 year olds in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

Research shows that demand in the working world is shifting from an emphasis on left-brain skills such as subject matter knowledge and technical know-how to right brain skills such as adaptability and imagination.

Education researchers point to the fact that Mena graduates appear to be lagging behind in this area.

The new programme aims to equip Qatar’s students with essential life skills while expanding their soft skills capabilities. It has been launched in 10 Independent schools five girls’ schools and as many boys’ schools with 20 students from each school.

Course content builds character strengths and soft skills such as team working creative and innovative thinking and organisation skills.

It also seeks to instil principles of effective communication and critical thinking and teaches young people to take the initiative in future focused areas in life.

Frank Fitzpatrick Director British Council Qatar said “The programme is designed to allow the young people to take an active role in their journey of personal development. Through Taqaddam we will enable students who will be part of the programme to identify articulate and improve key character strengths such as resolve confidence and purpose.

“We see the development of these strengths as the foundation to build a flourishing and happy life” he added.

Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi CEO HSBC Qatar said “With Taqaddam HSBC is committing to invest in the talent pool of the future with an emphasis on developing critical thinking and creative skills of young people.

“The programme reflects HSBC’s community approach to invest responsibly in the long-term prosperity of the communities we work in by giving young people skills for work and life. It also makes economic and social sense to do this as opportunities for businesses to expand cannot be achieved without expanding opportunities for young people in the country.”

Taught over seven weeks the course provides face-to-face workshops for teachers helping develop their capacity as educators in the area of core skills followed by an online assessment for students and subsequent development courses delivered by trained teachers.

Fawzia Al Khater Director Education Institute at the ministry said “We are confident that Taqaddam has the potential to seamlessly and effectively integrate life skills into the school curriculum.

“Through Taqaddam our students have the opportunity to benefit by developing crucial skills such as self-confidence mettle decision-making and the ability to maintain safety and health.

“These skills are necessary to help youth succeed in today’s world and they will enhance students’ capabilities in learning life and work.”

In its pilot year Taqaddam will reach 1620 youngsters in Qatar Algeria Bahrain the UAE Kuwait Oman Egypt and Lebanon.The Peninsula