Dedicated to advancing its pioneering role in social responsibility, community development and service, KR (Khimji Ramdas) Eshraqa recently participated in the first forum for people with disabilities that took place at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The three-day forum was organized by the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) and sought to promote and empower people with disabilities, by exploring ways to utilize their capabilities and skills with the aim of integrating them into society.

KR Eshraqa’s stall at the forum received a remarkable response from visitors across age-groups, who were oriented with its various social initiatives, and current projects in education, health, community well-being and training.

Highlighting the importance of integrating people of determination into society, within the framework of Oman’s Vision 2040, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group mentioned: “At Eshraqa we have a long-standing commitment to promoting inclusivity for people of determination. We firmly believe in supporting initiatives that enhance their wellbeing and promote their integration into society. Our participation in the Ministry of Social Development’s (MoSD) inaugural forum for people with disabilities aligns perfectly with this vision. Through our involvement in such events, we aim to empower people of determination and create an equitable society for all, so that they can realize their full potential and participate actively in shaping their own future and that of the nation.”

H.E Rashid bin Ahmed AL Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development stated: “Akin to private sector companies such as the KR Group, the MoSD firmly believes that every individual, regardless of ability, should have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. We recognize the potential of people with disabilities and seek to promote their participation in various aspects of society. Through forums of this nature, we aim to build a platform to enhance social protection for persons with disabilities and encourage their active involvement in society, leading to their contribution to the sustainable development of our nation in the time to come.”

KR Eshraqa has always been dedicated to supporting people with disabilities by partnering with different government bodies and not-for-profit associations to help them integrate into society and realize their full potential. To further its commitment to this cause, it has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering people with disabilities. One of its initiatives ‘Taheel’, launched in collaboration with the Association for Early Intervention of Children with

Special Needs (AIEC) provides comprehensive support to people with disabilities by rehabilitating and training them, ultimately improving their quality of life and that of their families.

In the education sector, KR Eshraqa has partnered with the Ministry of Education to support differently-abled students in government schools. It provides various learning tools and equipment to help teachers interact and deliver information to students, to ensure an ideal learning environment for all. Eshraqa has also supported differently-abled students at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) by providing them with electric wheelchairs and laptops.

In its latest initiatives to support people with disabilities, KR Eshraqa is providing training and employment for hearing-impaired individuals in partnership with Al Tawasul Institute. That’s not all, its Entrepreneurship Academy – Tasees – is providing training programs and workshops for people with disabilities in collaboration with ‘Qadiroon’, an initiative launched by Assas Muscat.

Khimji Ramdas’ Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility towards the development of local communities and empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By working towards nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute meaningfully to the education sector by building infrastructure that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills and capabilities in society.

Reaching yet another milestone in its endeavour to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation in the sultanate, Khimji Ramdas (KR) Eshraqa’s ‘Tasees’ pre-incubation program has been granted ‘approved’ status for the Authority of Small and Medium Enterprises Development’s (ASMED) popular Jahiziah scheme. This breakthrough makes every small medium enterprise (SME) owner undergoing the program eligible to apply for a loan with Oman Development Bank (ODB) under the Jahiziah scheme, at just two percent for 10 years!
ASMED’s conditions for being eligible to apply for the scheme include nationality (must be Omanis), having a project idea ready for implementation, and attending the entire length of a training program, such as that conducted by ‘Tasees’. Participants must also prepare a file on the project idea and pass an evaluation to be eligible for the ODB loan under the Jahiziah scheme.
‘Tasees’ Pre-incubation Training Programs introduce budding as well as existing SME owners having creative and feasible ideas, to business essentials that help them transform their preliminary idea or concepts into viable product or service offerings. Eventually leading them to form real-time businesses, within specific phases.
Discussing the role played by ‘Tasees’ in SME development and empowerment, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group said, “‘Tasees’ has helped nurture the dreams of aspiring Omani entrepreneurs and paved the way for several innovative businesses. With small businesses fast becoming the backbone of local communities and an engine for the national economy under Oman’s Vision 2040, it is important to ensure that SMEs have access to the right financial resources, insights and training. Eshraqa’s ‘Tasees’ programs have been designed in line with this; and we are extremely pleased that the participants of the pre-incubation program now have the opportunity to avail of ASMED’s renowned Jahiziah scheme.”
Haitham Khalid Al Qarni, Assistant Manager for Development and Empowerment, ASMED stated, “Our approval of Eshraqa’s ‘Tasees’ Pre-incubation program comes as a continuation and translation of the efforts made by ASMED to enhance the growth of the national economy. Eshraqa ‘Tasees’ Pre-Incubation have been developed keeping up with the needs of the SME sector, and aim to enable the sector to enhance their capabilities. Like Eshraqa’s ‘Tasees’, we encourage other private sector companies to come forward and do their bit in working with SMEs as a part of their social responsibility initiatives.”
Nadeem Ahmed, Chief Consultant – Eshraqa and Tasees Mentors mentioned: “Having the SMEs undergoing our pre-incubation program become eligible for ASMEDs Jahiziah scheme is a major milestone in ‘Tasees’ journey; as it continues to assist the SME ecosystem in Oman in collaboration with government entities such as ASMED. We are stoked that ‘Tasees’ efforts are taking progressive shape and being appreciated and recognised by the authorities.”
Established in 2018, ‘Tasees’ Entrepreneurship Academy is a part of Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm, and aims to play an important role in incubating, mentoring, and guiding budding entrepreneurs. It is a one-stop-solutions-provider for start-ups and SMEs, giving them the scope and opportunity to change the socio-economic fabric of Oman. To know more about Tasees and its programmes, log on to https://tasees.eshraqa.om/.
KR’s Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility towards the development of local communities and empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By working towards nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute meaningfully to socio-economic progress by building infrastructure and talent that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills, and capabilities in society.

In an effort to create a better future for Omani women from different walks of life and to make them financially independent and self-reliant, Khimji Ramdas’s (KR) Eshraqa recently conducted ‘Ana Aqdar’ – a tailoring and fashion design training program, in partnership with the Omani Women Association, Muscat. This support is part of Eshraqa’s ‘Qudurat initiative’, which focuses on women’s empowerment and employability.

The two-month training program which began in September mentored ten women on various tailoring techniques using the sewing machines and tailoring tools provided by Eshraqa. The initiative culminated with a fashion show held at the Omani Women’s Association in Muscat, under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Hujijah bint Jaifar Al Said, Chairperson of the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children. The fashion show showcased costumes that were designed and sewn by the participants themselves. Some of the best participants received top honours and were felicitated by the chief guest at the event.

Highlighting Eshraqa’s role in women empowerment initiatives across the Sultanate, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group said, “Eshraqa appreciates the value women bring to society as leaders, innovators, and accelerators of change. Through our support of programs like the ‘Ana Aqdar’ program, we remain committed to Oman’s Vision 2040 by creating an environment of equality and inclusivity. We will continue to encourage Omani women from different walks of life to build a better tomorrow for themselves and their families, and the society at large.”

Her Highness Sayyida Alia bint Thuwaini Al Said, Chairperson of the Omani Women’s Association mentioned: “KR Eshraqa’s support is creating new livelihood opportunities for the Omani women who have participated in the ‘Ana Aqdar’ program. Skill workshops such as these go a long way in supporting women to become powerful agents of change.”

KR’s Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility towards the development of local communities and empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By working towards nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute meaningfully to socio-economic progress by building infrastructure and talent that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills, and capabilities in society.

Khimji Ramdas (KR) Eshraqa’s ‘Tasees’, has entered into an agreement with Qadiroon, an initiative of ASAAS Muscat in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Small Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) at the second edition of the Qadiroon Forum, organised at the Grand Millennium Muscat. The agreement was signed by Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group, and Mohammed Mustafa al Shamali, CEO of ASAAS Muscat.

Under the agreement, Tasees will conduct entrepreneurship training programmes for Omanis with special abilities from various wilayats. The workshops will enhance their business skills and help them understand the requisites of starting their own dream business ventures, thereby helping them become financially independent.

Discussing the relevance of the tie-up, Nailesh Khimji mentioned: “We aim to align with the larger goal of building an inclusive society, Tasees is pleased to partner with Qadiroon and foster an entrepreneurial spirit among Omanis with special abilities. Our objectives align closely with Qadiroon’s goal of providing opportunities for men and women of determination to achieve success in the marketplace and reach higher personal goals. We keenly look forward to supporting individual and institutional advancement and the development of fresh ideas and business initiatives that are in line with Vision 2040.”

Building on its role   as a facilitator for start-ups and SMEs, ‘Tasees’, (formerly Eshraqa Entrepreneurship Academy) is on a mission to shape and mould the fortunes of aspiring Omani entrepreneurs with a proven methodology  of skill-building exercises, combined with consultancy and infrastructural support.

Today, ‘Tasees’ has earned a credible reputation as a reliable mentor and guide; it continues to enlist entrepreneurs to its fold, empowering and inspiring them to build, develop and enhance their business opportunities by adopting a grassroots strategy. As a coach and patron with the potential to fulfill dreams of start-ups, it has supported 24 business ventures from various sectors, including construction, e-commerce, food and beverage, training and management consultancy, cosmetics, and IT solutions, among others.

Urging small businesses to dream big, ‘Tasees’ continues to foster an entrepreneurial mindset through educational and training resources that are specifically designed to provide a boost to initiate the business project. Starting from the pre-incubation stage, ‘Tasees’ shares the large task of ‘incubation’, followed by ‘acceleration’ and ‘Funding and Guidance’ to bring the project to fruition with a strong base to expand and grow. It is this direct engagement with new start-ups that makes ‘Tasees’ approach and method unique; it has supported business ideas from every sector, both traditional and modern. Thanks to its training and involvement in the various stages of development, a couple of businesses in the country have already found success and have reached newer levels.

Buoyed by the success of their association since 2019, Tasees, Khimji Ramdas Eshraqa’s Entrepreneurship Academy (EEA) and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) kicked off the fourth edition of the former’s Pre-incubation Program for startups at its premises in Azaiba. The program was launched in the presence of Abood Al-Amri, Director General of Planning, Authority for SME Development.

Tasees’ Pre-incubation Programs aim to introduce entrepreneurs having creative and feasible ideas to business essentials that help them transform their preliminary idea or concepts into viable product or service offerings, and eventually into real-time businesses, within specific phases.

The fourth batch of the three and half month program received around 120 applications. After thorough review, 31 entrepreneurs were shortlisted to pitch their quality business ideas and join the program.

Entrepreneurs taking part in the pre-incubation process will receive professional coaching and mentoring sessions in two modules that will help them understand the nuances of starting a business, preparing marketing and operations plans, assimilating accounts and finances, preparing budgets and financial projections, creating business plans and models, and making investor pitches. Pre-incubation will thus act as a pipeline transfer, by helping startups complete the ideation and concept stages for the eligibility of participating in the next phase – incubation.

Commenting on the launch of the program’s fourth edition, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group said, “We are elated to begin yet another Pre-incubation for our talented startups in collaboration with ASMED. Tasees was launched to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among Omani nationals, build a thriving entrepreneurial environment and fast-track the nation’s economic diversification and fiscal sustainability efforts, in line with Vision 2040. Since its launch, it has helped nurture the dreams of aspiring local entrepreneurs and has paved the way for several innovative businesses.”

In continuing its efforts to encourage young people to take up scientific disciplines and work towards creating a knowledge economy, Khimji Ramdas’ (KR) Eshraqa has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education (MoE) to sponsor the 3rd Oman Science Festival. The agreement was signed by Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education ‘for Education’, and Mahmood bin Khalifa Al Saqri, Manager of Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm.

Scheduled to be held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center (OCEC) in October 2022, the Science Festival will present science to students in an easy and interactive way that will motivate them to achieve excellence in the fields of science, innovation, and research.  Organized under the theme, “With Science, We Meet Again”, this festival will encourage students to recognize the importance of science in everyday life and help them to keep pace with global trends in science and technology.

Announcing their partnership with the MoE, Nailesh Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas Group stated, “Under the able and visionary guidance of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, our country is steadily working towards achieving Oman’s Vision 2040. We at Eshraqa Stemazone are delighted to be part of MoE’s unique knowledge forum that brings students together with decision-makers, thinkers, academicians, and experts from inside and outside the Sultanate. It is a perfect synergy of both creativity and innovation. Our Stemazone programs promote a scientific temperament among children to build an ecosystem of innovation and technological progress.”

Various international organisations, as well as government, private, and military sector institutions in Oman, are expected to participate in the Festival. There will be interactive programs, hackathons, competitions, scientific shows, and workshops on programming, robotics, and other STEMA (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Arts) subjects.

In this regard, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education (Chairman of the Main Committee of the Oman Science Festival 2022), said: “Our partnership with the Khimji Ramdas Group comes in several fields, including the field of science and innovation. It has launched a number of educational initiatives such as Stemazone, and sponsored the Oman Science Festival to contribute to empowering students, raising their awareness of the importance of science, creativity, and innovation, and encouraging them to keep abreast of the latest developments in the fields of digital and scientific development because of their importance and a close and direct connection with the daily lives of students’ lives.

We are pleased to witness the tireless efforts that the group is making and harnessing its capabilities for the sake of this country and its people, as we value the group’s contribution to the Oman Science Festival, which will be implemented in October 2022, and which is the most prominent national scientific event implemented and supervised by the ministry and with the participation of a considerable number of governmental, military, and private institutions. We look forward to partnering with the Khimji Ramdas in more educational initiatives to uplift students’ knowledge.

“In order to build a knowledge economy, it is important to aid young Omanis to keep pace with the wide opportunities that arise as a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, said Mahmood bin Khalifa Al Saqri. “The Science Festival is a step in the same direction and is an excellent opportunity for students to expand their educational prospects in the STEMA fields.  It is an honor for Eshraqa Stemazone to participate in and support this event, and we hope to continue contributing to the skill development of the Sultanate of Oman.”

KR Eshraqa’s Stemazone platform is bridging the gap between the school system and the real world, by engaging children in an ambiance of learning and fun to encourage them to pursue careers across the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Arts.

Khimji Ramdas’ Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility towards the development of local communities and empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By working towards nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute meaningfully to the education sector by building infrastructure that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills and capabilities in society.

Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm will be supporting the construction of a new vocational centre of for the Association of Early Intervention for children with special needs (AEIC). An agreement was signed by Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas and Sabah Mohammed Al Bahlani, CEO AEIC.

The AEIC’s vocational center will be dedicated to providing children of determination with training and rehabilitation equipment and facilities that will ensure their integration into society; and help them and their families lead a better quality of life.

Highlighting the importance of integrating special needs children to society within the framework of Oman’s Vision 2040, Nailesh Khimji mentioned: “Eshraqa strives to play a role in ensuring inclusive and quality education for all in the sultanate. We aim to promote lifelong learning, by supporting programmes in early childhood development, as well as access to technical and vocational education and training for the youth. Our commitment to the Association of Early Intervention is in line with the same vision. Through our assistance, we hope to enable generations of special needs children, to reach their full potential and take part in shaping their own future and in turn that of the nation.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony which was held at the Avani Muscat Hotel, Sabah Mohammed Al Bahlani said: “We need to leverage private and public partners in new, innovative ways to finance and scale infrastructure that will help in bridging the inclusion divide for children with special needs. I would like to thank the KR Group for their philanthropic efforts and support in this regard. The vocational centre will offer special needs children access to boundless beneficial activities and facilitate new ways of interactive learning, while enriching their life’s experiences through meaningful exchanges.”

Mahmood Khalifa Alsaqri, Head of Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm added: “Eshraqa has been working towards providing children with access to quality education and learning resources through the design of special programmes that are both impactful and sustainable. Our assistance to the AIEC is a step in the same direction. We will continue to empower, inspire and nurture children from all walks of life, the leaders of tomorrow.”

Khimji Ramdas’ Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility towards the development of local communities and empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By working towards nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute meaningfully to the education sector by building infrastructure that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills and capabilities in society.

The Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) recently honoured Khimji Ramdas (KR) Eshraqa’s contribution to social development activities and initiatives in the Sultanate. The event was held at the Avani Muscat Hotel in the presence of Her Excellency Laila Ahmed Awad Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development.

On receiving the MOSD’s appreciation, Nailesh Khimji, Director of the Khimji Ramdas Group mentioned:  “We are grateful to be part of the nation’s socio-economic progress and deeply appreciate this prestigious accolade. I wholeheartedly thank the MOSD for bestowing this honour on us. We are committed towards inclusive growth to work towards the goal of ensuring the success and well-being of Omani communities in particular, and the society at large”, he said.

Established in 2016, as the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Khimji Ramdas Group, Eshraqa’s vision is aligned with the national agenda and goals outlined in Oman’s Vision 2040. Eshraqa’s initiatives focus on Education, Health, Community Wellbeing, and Training; with unique partnerships being made with various governmental institutions and associations on a not-for-profit basis to enrich the lives of the people of Oman.

On the role of corporates participating in Social Responsibility – His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development said: “We are reassured by the fact that the collaboration between the public and private sectors will strengthen and grow in the years to come. We need to adopt the best practices of social responsibility to reinforce our resolve to contribute effectively to the socio-economic growth of the Sultanate.

Eshraqa’s strategy of going to ‘one wilayat at a time’ has created avenues for better health, education, community well-being and entrepreneurship

Mahmood Khalifa Ali Alsaqri, Head of Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm mentioned: “We are thankful to receive such an important recognition from the MOSD. KR Eshraqa will continue to implement projects that contribute to social causes by developing solutions that enhance the community’s wellbeing, and at the same time empower people with tools and skills to become self-reliant and lead their best lives.”

Eshraqa’s primary beneficiaries are Omani youth, women and persons with disabilities. Under its developmental scheme, communities in the wilayats of Samail, Izki, Bidbid, Ibra and Bidiyah have benefited. The project’s focus is currently on the Wilayat Dima Wattayeen.

The key initiatives of Eshraqa include: ‘Qudurat’, ‘Stemazone’, and ‘Tasees’. While Qudurat’ is an umbrella initiative for projects that foster women empowerment and employability, ‘Tasees’ (Entrepreneurship Academy) is engaged in creating an entrepreneurial mindset in the youth and developing knowledge and skills among professionals through a mentorship programme. ‘Stemazone’ is an educational programme that introduces and encourages children to explore the extraordinary world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.

KR’s Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility towards the development of local communities and empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By working towards nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute meaningfully to socio-economic progress by building infrastructure that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills, and capabilities in society.

With the aim to promote innovation among children with special needs, and reinforce their inclusion in society at all levels, Eshraqa, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Khimji Ramdas (KR) Group recently lent its support to the Oman Down Syndrome Association’s pioneering workshop on Robotics.

An approved project based on the material and instruction developed by NASA’s neurodiversity network (N3), the workshop for children with special needs was held in collaboration with Prakramika Vocational Institute (India) and Edutech4Space (Dubai). The goal of the initiative was to promote an inclusive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) environment in the Sultanate.

The workshop began with a brief introduction to space science, technology, and robotics; following which, the attending children were guided on the process of making a working robot. With the help of representatives from Eshraqa and volunteers from different non-governmental organizations (NGOs), each attendee was assisted in assembling robotic parts to make a robot. The excitement was evident, children loved the challenge when the robot made by them came to life and moved everyone at the end of the workshop.

Reaffirming Eshraqa’s focus, Anil Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group said: “At Eshraqa, it is our earnest endeavor to promote innovation among children; and robotics is a wonderful learning activity that is apt for neurodiverse children. By training children with special needs in STEM subjects through hands-on application, and organizing workshops of this nature, we help immensely in developing analytical and social skills. It is Eshraqa’s privilege to support Oman Down Syndrome association’s robotics workshop.”

“Robotics is a good way to focus on children’s individual capabilities and help boost their confidence and self-esteem. It is a great teaching tool and develops problem-solving, teamwork, and personal skills among children. I would like to thank Eshraqa for their support in organizing this workshop, as well as all the individuals and organizations that came together to make it a success,” mentioned Ahmed Mohamed Al Jabry, Chairman of Oman Down Syndrome Association

Highlighting the use of advanced robotics technology to empower the student-teacher learning curve, Dr. Gayatri Narasimhan, Founder, and Director of Prakramika Vocational Institute, India, said “Robotics leverages a child’s natural curiosity in the environment around them to nurture their interests, in developing their capabilities. It is also an important tool to help neurodiverse children integrate with mainstream students to create meaningful relationships, learn effective communication skills, and explore different learning pathways. The role of a teacher in guiding children with new techniques is also a critical success factor.”

Shrisudha Viswanathan, Scientist, Ex-ISRO, Founder & CEO, Edutech4space FZ LLC, UAE commented: “It is important to train kids to be creative and innovative. Through STEM programs such as Robotics, we aim to do precisely this. An enrichment experience aiming to involve neurodiverse children in mainstream education to the fields of STEM and robotics, the workshop aimed to inspire them to consider STEM for further education and in their future careers.”

A certificate of participation was given to all attendees on behalf of the Oman Down Syndrome Association; including volunteers, and students of the Melody Music Center.

Khimji Ramdas’ Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility for the development of local communities and empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By working toward nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute meaningfully to the education sector by building infrastructure that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills, and capabilities in society.

In working towards the strategic goal of establishing the Sultanate as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, Khimji Ramdas Eshraqa’s Entrepreneurship Academy (EEA) – ‘Tasees’ recently organised a first-of-its-kind “Business Finance” workshop for small-medium enterprise (SME) owners. The workshop was part of a training and development boot-camp series that has been planned in collaboration with the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED).

‘Tasees’s training programme is the first in a series of workshops organised for SMEs who hold a Riyada card, and have been in business for more than a year. Initiated to solve a major pain area for SME owners, especially Finance – the programme received over 200 applications from across Oman were shortlisted on multiple parameters. 15 SME owners were then chosen to join the training programme’s classroom sessions held at EEA’s premises in Azaiba, over three consecutive days.

Participants were chosen from various sectors including tourism, oil and gas supplies, manufacturing, healthcare, auto servicing, construction, and land surveying, to name a few.  Some of the topics that were discussed during the workshop include the history of business, use of money, income statements, the health of a business, financial ratios, net present value, as well as internal rate of return.

Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group mentioned: “Entrepreneurship has been identified as an important driver of sustainable social and economic growth under Oman’s Vision 2040. With small businesses fast becoming the backbone of local communities and an engine for the national economy, it has never been more important to ensure that entrepreneurs and small business owners have access to the right educational resources, insights, and solutions. ‘Tasees’ partnership with ASMED is aligned with this, and is the latest in our efforts to deliver on the needs of these critical businesses so they can manage and grow their ventures better.”

Haitham Khalid Al Qarni, Assistant Director for Empowerment and Development Directorate, ASMED stated: “Organised in collaboration with ASMED, Tasees’ training programmes are designed in keeping with the needs of the SME sector, and aim to enable business owners to enhance and develop their capabilities. Financial Management is one of the most important aspects of entrepreneurship that business owners must know in detail; particularly reading financial statements, and being aware of their own financial position.”

“We have begun these training series in Muscat and will be implementing the same in other governorates, so that more SME owners can benefit from it.  ASMED encourages the private sector to work with SMEs as a part of its social responsibility initiatives. Eshraqa is a fine example of corporate social responsibility in the training sector when it comes to SMEs.”

Acknowledging the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive socio-economic progress and as part of its continued commitment to community service, Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm, recently donated a variety of medical equipment to Bidiyah Health Center. The donation included nine pieces of specialized medical equipment catering to different units of the hospital like the pediatric ward, X-Ray, and ophthalmology. In addition, it also included mobile carts and medical examination assessment tools, which would prove beneficial in improving the efficiency of the Health Center.

The inaugural event held on 16 March 2022, under the auspices of H.E. Mahmood bin Abdullah Al Saeedi, Wali of Bidiyah, in the presence of a number of key officials from the Ministry of Health and directors of various departments. Representing Eshraqa at the event was Mr. Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group, and Mr. Mahmoud Al-Saqri, Social Responsibility Manager – Eshraqa at Khimji Ramdas.

In reiterating its commitment to promoting a culture of scientific thinking and problem solving within a knowledge-based economy, Khimji Ramdas (KR) Eshraqa’s Stemazone initiative is hosting a booth at the Muscat International Book Fair 2022. Organised under the patronage of HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Fair will take place from 24th February to 5th March 2022, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).

Established by Eshraqa, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Khimji Ramdas, Stemazone is a sustainable educational programme that has been conceptualised in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Culture, Sports and Youth (MOCSY) to introduce Omani children, between 6 to 16 years, to the marvellous world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

As a farsighted educational initiative that aims to do its bit towards achieving Oman’s Vision 2040 by creating a workforce of competent and knowledgeable citizens, Stemazone is providing convenient access to activities and information surrounding its programmes to Omani students through its interactive pavilion – 1K1 and 1K2 (opposite the kids’ arena) – at the exhibition area of the Fair. Stemazone will also be organising a number of activities, including a workshop each on Coding and Robotics for children attending the Fair.

Commenting on Stemazone’s commitment to inculcate a scientific bent of mind among children in communities and schools across the Sultanate, Mr. Nailesh Khimji, Director – Khimji Ramdas averred, “Muscat International Book Fair is one of the largest cultural events in the Sultanate. First held in 1992, it is among the top ten book fairs in the Arab world. Stemazone’s participation in it is hence inevitable and is yet another step towards making our programmes more accessible for children, who can enjoy the convenience of visiting our stall, as well as attend workshops held alongside the Book Fair. Through initiatives such as Stemazone, and through our participation in cultural events of this nature, we are hoping to build a generation of avid readers, thinkers and problem solvers that excel in their future careers.”

Stemazone offers a hybrid learning experience through ta physical centre located at the Children’s Museum and a state-of-art online learning system available at www.stemazoneoman.om

Both experiences offer engaging and interactive sessions of creativity for kids. The programmes are designed in a manner such that they focus on developing children’s skills and knowledge in coding, electronics, 3D design, IoT, smart cities, and design thinking. The sessions also aim at building confidence, teaching public speaking and imbibing leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills.

Stemazone workshops offer an ideal platform for students to understand the analytics of problem-solving, collaborating, testing ideas, and creating inspirational work; these workshops help them to think critically and creatively, and foster an element of curiosity in them.

Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility towards the development of local communities and towards empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By

working towards nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute towards the education sector by building infrastructure that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills, and capabilities.

Khimji Ramdas (KR) Eshraqa’s Stemazone pavilion is enjoying a remarkable visitor turnout at the 26th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair (MIBF) at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The stall was graced by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, who presided over the inauguration ceremony of the Fair.

Students interested in Stemazone’s avant-garde educational programme have been making a beeline for its interactive booth 1K1 and 1K2 at the Fair – to be held until 5th March 2022 – where they are getting acquainted with its hybrid learning experience.

Stemazone encourages children to explore the vibrant world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through a physical centre located at the Children’s Museum, and a state-of-the-art online learning system, available at www.stemazoneoman.om. Both experiences offer delightful and engaging sessions of creativity and learning for children between 6 to 16 years, with programmes designed to draw their focus towards the development of skills and knowledge in coding, electronics, 3D design, IoT, smart cities, and design thinking. The sessions also aim at building confidence, teaching public speaking and imbibing leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills.

Speaking on the sidelines of the MIBF – Nailesh Khimji, Director – Khimji Ramdas Group stated: “Considered one of the most important regional fairs in the Arab world – given the increasing number and diversity of titles and publications on display – the Muscat International Book Fair is an unmissable cultural forum that has returned after a one year hiatus. The sheer strength in the number of children and parents swarming Eshraqa’s Stemazone booth at the Fair is a testimony to the exceptional turnout it is witnessing this year. We hope to have even more children visit our booth and reimagine the world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, while partaking in the exciting activities we have lined up especially for them, including our workshops on Coding and Robotics.”

Discussing the significance of Stemazone, he elaborated: “Our innovative STEAM programme aims to teach and inspire young minds to imbibe skills required in the local and global labour market, in line with Oman Vision 2040. This comes within the framework of achieving the objectives of the national agenda that aims to build an effective ecosystem of Omani talent when it comes to scientific research, creativity and innovation, through interactive learning sessions and workshops.”

Designed by Eshraqa, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Khimji Ramdas, Stemazone is a sustainable educational initiative that has been conceived in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture (MoYSC). Stemazone workshops help students understand the analytics of problem-solving, collaborating, testing ideas, and creating inspirational work; it also aids them in thinking critically and creatively, while fostering an element of curiosity in them.

Eshraqa has been established on the premise that the private sector has a responsibility towards the development of local communities and towards empowering talented individuals in the Sultanate. By working towards nation-building at the grassroots, Eshraqa aspires to contribute towards the education sector by building infrastructure that will lead to the enhancement of knowledge, skills, and capabilities.

Substantiating its five-year long presence in the country as the social development arm of Khimji Ramdas, Eshraqa has collated its projects and initiatives to showcase some of its major milestones in five wilayats, and announce its intent to focus on Wilayat Dima Wattayeen in 2022.

Over the last five years, Eshraqa has played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and implementing social impact projects that benefited a total of 85 schools, four hospitals, two health centers, four NGOs dedicated to people with disabilities and five women’s associations, among others. It invested its resources to explore novel approaches that helped develop transformative projects for the betterment of communities across the Sultanate.

It has consciously espoused the policy of ‘one wilayat at a time’, providing comprehensive support for all communities in the wilayat; creating avenues for better health, education, community well-being and entrepreneurship. So far, communities in the wilayats of Samail, Izki, Bidbid, Ibra and Bidiyah have benefitted from the initiatives, with Wilayat Dima Wattayeen earning its attention during the course of the current year.

Congratulating Eshraqa on its impressive progress in a short span of time, Nailesh Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas, said, “When we established Eshraqa as our social development arm in 2016, we wanted it to embody our vision of empowering local communities through projects that have far-reaching impact. It has not only surpassed this vision with several distinctive milestones, it has corroborated our commitment to contribute to the nation’s well-being and development. It continues to inspire our youth with inclusive ventures that engage with them on different levels. It has employed novel approaches to coalesce with the community and collaborate with educational institutions to bring about all round development; it has introduced special projects to support persons with disabilities, enhance the capabilities of Omani youth and empower women to realize their full potentials. 2022 will mark another major milestone in its successful journey, as it brings Wilayat Dima Wattayeen under its developmental scheme.”

Eshraqa aims to achieve best outcomes by directing its efforts towards specific sectors that have direct and indirect impact on the lives of the people. In line with this aim, it has stepped in to meet requirements like medical equipment for health centers, housing for underprivileged, buses for local women’s associations, sponsorship for the national Paralympics Association, and funding for research on nutrition, in partnership with the Ministry of Health. In addition to that, its training pillar has benefited over 4000 people through learning programs.

Of particular significance are its key projects like Tasees, Stemazone, Qudurat, Eshraqa e-learning center at Oman International Maritime College, and Sindbad Library. While Tasees (Eshraqa Entrepreneurship Academy) is engaged in creating an entrepreneurial mindset in the youth and developing knowledge and skills among professionals through a mentorship program, Stemazone is designed as a unique educational program to introduce children to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Qudurat is an umbrella initiative for all projects that foster women empowerment and employability building; Eshraqa E-learning Center, at the International Maritime College in Sohar, serves as a physical site that provides round-the-clock online access to digitized study material; and the Sindbad Children’s Mobile Library promotes reading and story-telling through drive tours around the country.

Pointing out that Eshraqa’s primary beneficiaries are Omani youth, women and persons with disabilities, Nailesh Khimji stated that Eshraqa is tailored for those whom every opportunity matters. “We believe that with a little support, they can then go on to make a real difference for their families and in their communities. Our larger objective is to make a holistic impact on society through the educational sector, by helping equip young Omanis to be future-ready – beginning at community schools, and moving right up to the incubation of entrepreneurial start-ups,” he added.

While Eshraqa’s education ambit has provided structural support to educational centers, instituted scholarships and offered vocational and entrepreneurial training, among others, its health domain has proven to be a literal pillar for nationwide healthcare programs, involving research and intervention and improvement of medical facilities. Under its community well-being sector, it has made concerted efforts to raise the quality of life through infrastructural facilities and provision of recreational outlets, in addition to initiatives like Qudurat for women empowerment and Taheel for people with disabilities – including vocational training, wheelchairs, Braille sense machines, laptops, Visi-pitch (voice and speech) machines and physical therapy equipment. Additionally, it has targeted the SME sector under its training program, offering Entrepreneurship Academy to tap the potentials of interested entrepreneurs.

During the last five years, Eshraqa has worked alongside associations and NGOs like Oman Association for Disabled, Omani Association for the Hearing Impaired, Association for the Welfare of Disabled Children, Al Noor Association for the Blind, Ihasan Association (for the elderly), Oman Down Syndrome Association, Association of Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs, Dar Al Atta and Al Rahma Association, to develop their operational network.

Eshraqa continues to contribute to the nation’s socio-economic progress by developing innovative solutions that enhance its support to the community and by empowering people with tools and skills to become self-reliant.

. In a first of its kind initiative, Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm, conducted a knowledge sharing consultative workshop, in collaboration with Taiseer Platform, to assist SMEs representing Oman at the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai.

Titled ‘Marketing, Promotion and Market Growth’, the first knowledge-sharing workshop from Eshraqa, was organized within the framework of Khimji Ramdas’ vision to propel Omani SMEs to the forefront through various progressive initiatives. It was held under Tasees, Eshraqa’s Entrepreneurship Academy, with the key objective of providing a platform for SMEs to assimilate the concepts of marketing and promotion and to acquaint them with the procedures involved in implementing those concepts while planning their marketing strategies.

10 SMEs, representing businesses in fisheries, honey manufacturing, frankincense products, perfumery, technology, apparel as well as natural skincare products and cosmetics, benefitted from this interactive hands-on workshop, which gave the participating entrepreneurs an up close and personal look at the various facets of market growth through marketing and promotional strategies.

Highlighting the significance of the workshop for SMEs, Nailesh Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas, said, “Our primary objective behind this extensive program to create newer avenues to showcase our responsibility toward the society, and to raise awareness among the SME sector and emerging micro-businesses to find their niche at events like Expo 2020 Dubai. Through Eshraqa, we have repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to Omani society, in line with the priorities of Vision 2040. This augurs well with our larger goal to proactively contribute to the nation’s economy and future development. We believe in empowering our fellow entrepreneurs with relevant and resourceful skills that are essential to market and promote their products and services.”

Reiterating similar sentiments, Nada Bassam, CEO of Taiseer Platform, said, “We are grateful to the Sultanate’s General Commission for Expo 2020 Dubai for facilitating a host of initiatives for the Omani SMEs, as part of their participation at the Expo. We are pleased to have collaborated with Khimji Ramdas, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Eshraqa team for extending their support to the SMEs through this knowledge-sharing session. The SMEs have certainly benefitted from this program and we will look forward to more collaborative initiatives in the future.”

For Nadeem Ahmed, facilitator of the program and Chief Consultant for Tasees and Eshraqa Mentors, the workshop proved to be the right platform to expound on the facets of marketing for local SMEs. “From its very inception, Tasees has endeavored to assist in the process of building a sustainable entrepreneurship culture, while addressing the futuristic economic goals of Oman through innovative interventions. We are pleased to have associated with Taiseer to support SMEs that are representing Oman in Expo 2020. We believe that with the right support and assistance, these participating SMEs can prove their potential to significantly boost the economic growth of the nation and position Oman at the global front.”

The timely and carefully planned workshop received overwhelming responses from the participants. During the course of the program, they were able to identify and constructively apply the techniques of creating a value proposition, segmentation, targeting, and positioning of their product offerings with the support of Team Eshraqa. The participants, some of who will be further assisted by Tasees and Taiseer Platform, were delighted to have partaken in such a thought-provoking exercise, which pushed them to contemplate their products in ways they hadn’t before.

Appreciating the range of topics dealt as part of the program, participating entrepreneur Samah Hamood Al Mahrouqi, of Yomecare Company, said: “It has been a very insightful program, helping us understand the concepts of marketing. I am grateful to Taiseer for this wonderful initiative and the entire team of Eshraqa and Khimji Ramdas for giving us this opportunity to learn. This will definitely help us grow our business.”

Another participant, Sulaiman Hamood Al Sumri – of Al Rahiq Almakhtoom Honey Production and Retailing Company said, “This program has been immensely beneficial in prodding us to understand and define our project goals and ways to achieve them. We learned firsthand from marketing professionals on the crux of developing and executing effective marketing strategies.”

To further bolster Omani SMEs participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai, Eshraqa, in association with Taiseer Platform, will conduct a new session on ‘Commercial Business Modeling’. This second knowledge-sharing exercise will help entrepreneurs to analyze, visualize and test the commercial viability of their business using proven business modeling tools.

With these series of knowledge-sharing sessions and other support facilities offered, Khimji Ramdas aims to play a role in fueling the growth of SMEs in Oman, assisting them to become active contributors to Oman’s Vision 2040.

In line with its objectives and continuous support to make women financially independent, Eshraqa, the social development arm of Khimji Ramdas recently distributed sewing machines to three Omani Women’s Associations in the wilayats of Amerat, Samail, and Alwabi. This is one of the many projects under Qudurat, which is Eshraqa’s Omani Women Empowerment Initiative.

For these women, life has changed dramatically after they started a new life engaged in sewing and made themselves self-reliant. The women have also been trained in tailoring techniques at a workshop by the respective Women’s Association.

Stressing the need for a better ecosystem for women empowerment, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas, said that only skill development will help women to become economically independent. “And we, at Eshraqa are ever-ready to render all the required support to women on their education, healthcare, community wellbeing, and training,”

The initiative has tapped the potential the women of these three wilayats have when they receive the right training and mentoring. Eshraqa’s sewing machines project has been a boon to these women.

Moza bint Abdullah Al Kharusi, the head of the Omani Women Association in Wilayat Alwabi, was all praise for the Qudurat initiative when she commented: “Sewing paves the way for learning and empowerment. And KR’s social activities will go a long way in making the women stand on their own.”

Sheikha bint Salim Al Khali, the head of the Omani Women’s Association in wilayat Amerat, was being candid when she said, “Entrepreneurial instinct and activity among Omani women at the grassroots are exemplary. We act as facilitators. Women empowerment is a key component of socio-economic development in the world, and the role played by Eshraqa on this front deserves to be replicated in many other pockets of Oman.”

Rabaa   bint Saif Al- Jabri, the Head of Omani Women Association in the wilayat of Samail said that Eshraqa’s community initiatives empower women to chase their dreams and create productive livelihood opportunities for the unemployed women.”

Eshraqa strives to work with local organizations to support the development of women in a bid to engage in productive activity that will generate income for their sustenance and promote their empowerment.

These sewing machines were selected by the associations themselves and can be used for various types of embroidery and tailoring.

Eshraqa, the CSR Arm of KR Group in the Sultanate, strives to improve the lives of local communities through a gamut of initiatives. As part of its commitment to empowering the people of Oman by providing access where they can realize their full potential, the Khimji Ramdas Group has built collaborations with public, societal and, educational organizations on a not-for-profit basis, to help develop the Omani Community at large, inspire the Omani Youth and empower Omani Women in particular. These community efforts have transformed the lives and landscapes in many villages across Oman.

With a keen focus on enhancing the quality of living for the local communities and encouraging aspiring talents to achieve their ambitions, Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm, recently extended its sponsorship to the Oman Paralympic Committee for organising the Muscat Blind Football Challenge. As the main sponsor of the event, KR Eshraqa showed its unfaltering commitment to support local athletes with disabilities while positioning Oman as a country that promotes such sporting activities. Organised in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth and the International Football Blind Foundation, the event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Rashid Al-Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development.

Commenting on the event, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas said, “The Muscat Blind Football Challenge is the first-of-its-kind event in the Gulf region, and KR Eshraqa is truly honored to support such a unique game that gives an opportunity to those with visual impairments to shine in the field of sports. Through initiatives like these, we remain committed to empowering people, nurturing their talents, and helping those with impairments to lead a more self-reliant life.”

The launch of the Muscat Blind Football Challenge was held on 25^th November 2021 at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium and the first match between the Indian National Team and Oman National Team took place on the same day which was won by Oman National Team 1:0. The second two-legged match was played on 27^th November 2021 and Oman National Team won the match 2:0.

As a part of its ongoing commitment to inspire sustainable development in the local community and render its unfaltering support to charitable organizations, Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm, recently donated an entire floor of a building to Dar Al Atta’a. Dar Al Atta’a will be able to generate rental income by letting the floor for events, celebrations, and other activities, which will then be allocated to support the association’s various efforts.

Commenting on the donation, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group said, “At Khimji Ramdas, we strongly believe in supporting local organizations, especially charitable associations, as they strive towards elevating and strengthening the lives of individuals from various segments of society. This initiative comes as an addition to the several programs that Khimji Ramdas Group has undertaken in the past to support Dar Al Atta’a. As a group that has remained invested in the socio-economic prosperity, growth, and well-being of the people of the nation, we will continue to support initiatives that are geared towards empowering them in every way possible.”

Speaking about the initiative, Honorable Maryam bint Issa Al-Zadjali, President of Dar Al Atta’ Association, said, ‘We are happy with the continuing assistance from Eshraqa. This gesture demonstrates Khimji Ramdas Groups’ unwavering dedication to giving back to the ecosystem it operates in and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the association. It will assist us in achieving our goals as we continue to execute programs aimed at improving the well-being of Omani citizens.”

Through Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas Group has sought to effectively contribute to local communities by providing innovative solutions and initiatives that have a long-term impact. Aimed at developing a robust social infrastructure and empowering people to build a vibrant future, the efforts of the company resonate with the national priorities, and Oman Vision 2040 puts sustainable development at the core of socio-economic progress.

Eshraqa, the Social Development Arm of the Khimji Ramdas Group, strives to contribute to the development of local communities through its four pillars: – Education, Health, Community Wellbeing, and Training. Since its inception, Eshraqa has embarked on providing a plethora of effective initiatives in various fields by partnering with public, societal, and educational institutions to support the development of society, and ultimately creating a bright future for the people of Oman.

In solidarity with national relief efforts and to help communities affected by the recent storm, Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas Group’s Social Development Arm, announced a contribution of OMR 200,000 to support families affected by Cyclone Shaheen in the Al Batinah region. The donations were channelised through Oman Charitable Organization and Dar Al Atta’a. It consisted of essentials such as food, electrical appliances, ready-made meals, and household requirements.

This initiative is in line with the relief efforts exerted by the concerned institutions to ease the implications of Cyclone Shaheen that occurred in the Sultanate and severely affected residents in the Al Batinah region. With social responsibility as a vital component of its mandate, Khimji Ramdas Group is committed to giving back to the communities it operates in.

“As a community, we have always shown utmost dedication in assisting those in need, even during the previous relief operations. We applaud the sincere efforts taken by the government and the citizens and residents of this area. We strongly believe in joining hands and supporting the community during times of need. By partnering with charitable organizations and responsible authorities, we have been able to support the national efforts and help bring stability to the affected families,” said Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas Group.

As part of its commitment to empower the people of Oman the donations allocated towards the cause saw generous contributions from all employees of the group including the management.  

Eshraqa, the Social Development Arm of the Khimji Ramdas Group, strives to contribute to the development of local communities through its four pillars – Education, Health, Community Wellbeing, and Training. In partnership with public, societal, and educational institutions, Eshraqa has implemented a range of effective initiatives in various fields. These initiatives aim to support the development of society and, ultimately ensure a bright and sustainable future for the people of Oman.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support Oman’s education sector and create a seamless learning experience for students, Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm, recently presented packages to students of Standard 1-4 in Al Dhakhliya Governorate schools. The gesture was aimed at facilitating the process of distributing books to students and enriching their knowledge with awareness messages, as part of the kits presented to them.

The launch of the initiative took place in Shams Al Nahda School in the wilayat of Nizwa in the presence of The Directorate-General of Education, Al Dhakhliya Governorate, and Arafat Yasser Al Hinai, Regional General Manager of Khimji Ramdas’. The General Directorate of Education in the governorate launched the initiative as a first phase, benefiting 43,000 students, with plans to reach out to other schools in the near future.

Speaking of this gesture, Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas said: “We believe in the importance of supporting the national education sector and enhance the learning process of students by providing the necessary tools for them to excel and flourish in their studies. Our goals are in line with the national priorities that aim to create an environment of continuous improvement that can lead the Sultanate toward a brighter future. We will continue to mentor and support initiatives that deliver value and develop the potential of human resources in our beloved country.”

Appreciating this noteworthy contribution, The Directorate-General of Education in the Al Dhakhliya Governorate said: “We are pleased with this contribution from Eshraqa. This gesture reflects the organization’s commitment to adding value to the lives of the people of Oman and supporting the communities it operates in. We commend Eshraqa’s ongoing efforts as the partnership between the private and the public sector to support education is pivotal to achieve overall development and create a skilled and well-educated generation.”

Eshraqa, the Social Development Arm of Khimji Ramdas Group, strives to contribute to the development of local communities through its four pillars – Education, Health, Community Wellbeing, and Training. Since its inception, Eshraqa has embarked on providing a plethora of effective initiatives in various fields in partnership with public, societal, and educational institutes. The aim of the initiatives is to support the development of society, ultimately creating a sustainable and bright future for the people of Oman.

The Institute of Internal Auditors Oman joined hands with Eshraqa, the Corporate Social Development Arm of Khimji Ramdas Group Companies for Human Capital Development of the members of IIA Oman. The MOU was signed between IIA and Eshraqa at the office of the IIA Oman on 23^rd February 2020.

Keeping in mind the mission of IIA Oman to facilitate comprehensive professional educational and developmental opportunities to its members, IIA Oman and Eshraqa Mentors came together to identify programs that will cater to the need of Omani Internal Auditors. Eshraqa Mentors will provide custom-developed programs that are in line with the Personal Competencies outlined in the IIA Global Framework required for the individual internal auditors.

Due to the pandemic, the first two workshops on MS Excel as a Business Intelligence Tool were conducted as online programs in March and April 2021 respectively. The third in the series – Effective Communication and Presentation Skills, was conducted at Eshraqa Center, Azaiba on 21^st and 22^nd September 2021. Senior / internal auditors from diverse sectors like Telecom, Banking, and other Business Sectors, nominated by IIA attended the workshop to sharpen their skills and competencies. The 2 days experiential learning workshop was well received by the participants and they took back new learnings and experiences that will definitely assist them in becoming better communicators.

KR-Eshraqa has always strived to help improve the quality of life for the physically challenged and disabled members of society. As part of this ongoing endeavor, wheelchairs were presented to the Oman Association for the Disabled.

Eshraqa believes that consistent support and encouragement go a long way in the effort to make disabled people a part of our society. And this can only augur well for the future of Oman.

Committed to improving the lives of people in the Sultanate, KR Eshraqa donated AC & appliances to the families that were affected by adverse weather conditions, continuing to build stronger bonds with the local communities at the grassroots level.

Eshraqa, the Corporate Social Responsibility Arm of Khimji Ramdas, has announced an online ‘Stemazone’ summer camp in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) through Children’s Museum & Ministry of Education (MoE). The summer camp that started on the 4^th of July will go on till 5^th of August 2021.

Launched by Eshraqa, Stemazone is a unique educational program that introduces Omani children to the wonderful world of STEAM; Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Eshraqa has partnered with the Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth (MoCSY), Ministry of Education (MoE), and Children’s Museum to lead this initiative. The partnership signifies an innovative strategy aimed towards inspiring young Omanis to enter STEAM fields and set them on the pathway from an early age. Stemazone initiative is in line with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes building a knowledge economy.

The online Stemazone summer camps have been conceived to be active and engaging sessions of creativity for kids. They are designed in an interactive way, with a focus on developing children’s skills and knowledge on coding, electronics, 3D design, IoT, smart cities, and design thinking. The sessions also aim to build confidence, teach public speaking, and imbibe leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills.

The summer camps to be held in three phases will encourage children to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, action-takers, and global citizens.

Targeting children between the ages of 06 to 12 years, phase-I of the summer camp will include 120 students from the public.

120  students aged between 06 to 12 from Museums Friends and the public will participate in phase-II.

Continuing its endeavor toward supporting the local communities, Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm, recently presented Smart Tablet Devices to Dar Al Hanan, the project of the Oman Cancer Association. The aim of this initiative is to bring joy to the children’s hearts and create an entertaining atmosphere for them during their stay at the association.

Speaking on this gesture, Nailesh Khimji, Director, KR Group said: “Through this digital initiative, we aim to uplift the spirits of children and offer them a fun environment full of happiness and optimism. Medical experts suggest that a positive psychological state of mind will support disease resistance and also contributes to a children’s response to treatment.”

“This initiative comes as part of Eshraqa’s social responsibility objectives towards encouraging digital literacy among children. Since its inception, Eshraqa has tirelessly sought to contribute to the welfare of the Sultanate’s people by partnering with the public sector, educational institutions, and other entities. The initiative aims to encourage the growth of the local community and uplift living standards. This is in line with the government’s vision that seeks to improve the social well-being of people,” he added.

Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Education (MoE) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eshraqa, Corporate Social Responsibility Arm of Khimji Ramdas to support the StemaZone initiative.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of Ministry of Education, and Nailesh Khimji, Director, the Khimji Ramdas (KR) Group signed the MoU at a ceremony held in the Ministry of Education on March 23. The signing comes under the guidance and vision of the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in building more scientific capabilities for Omani youth.

The agreement signifies an innovative strategy aimed towards inspiring young Omanis to enter STEAM fields and set them on the pathway from an early age. Putting a renewed focus on StemaZone, the MoU highlights the country’s commitment to guiding student’s gain the skills they need to prepare for the demands of the global economy and jobs of the future. The signing is significant given that the country is working toward achieving “Oman Vision 2040” which will need a pipeline of talented young Omanis who are equipped with STEAM skills and knowledge.

StemaZone is a STEAM learning initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) meant for Omani children between 6 to 16 years of age. As part of the program, an online learning platform (e-StemaZone) will be launched soon.

With an intention to foster national expertise as part of the objectives outlined in the Oman Vision 2040, Eshraqa, Khimji Ramdas’ Social Development Arm organised a ‘Leadership Beyond Role’ workshop for Sultan Qaboos University deans, and deputy deans at their main campus recently.

This unique program on leadership development was conceptualized by mentors from Eshraqa on the invite of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).

The one-day “Leadership Beyond Role” workshop integrated the leadership spectrum by making participants work on two of the world-renowned case studies used by some of the best management education institutions like Harvard.

During the first case study, which was an extremely advanced simulation of the famous Mount Everest story of 1996, the participants experienced challenging situations in which they took fitting and unfitting decisions as a team and as individuals. During the process, the participants experienced conflict between the individual and team goals, and thereby developed a sound understanding of group dynamics, decision making, and problem-solving.

As part of its objective to provide continuous support to the health sector in Oman, Eshraqa-the Social Development arm of the Khimji RamdasGroup, recently donated a range of medical equipment to the Ibra, Health Centre to augment the facility’s efforts to boost health care delivery.

The medical equipment was handed over in the presence of His Excellency Shaikh Hamad bin Salim bin Saif Al Aghbari, Wali of Ibra; Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Abri, Director General, General Directorate of Health Services in SharqiyahGovernorate and a number of other officials.

Eshraqa initiative works towards the social development of the nation and the donation pledges Khimji Ramdas’ readiness to continue to impact positively on the communities it operates in. It also reflects Eshraqa’s goal of supporting government institutions to enhance health care services in the Sultanate. To achieve its ambitious vision, Eshraqafunds programs across four pillars including ‘Eshraqa Learns’, ‘Eshraqa Heals’, ‘Eshraqa Cares’and ‘Eshraqa Mentors’.

With a keen eye on the future of the nation, Eshraqa, the Social Development Arm of KhimjiRamdas, unveiled its 2021 calendar that showcases its collaborative initiative with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Ministry of Education. The calendar focuses on STEMAzone, a cutting-edge initiative designed to lay the foundation of future learning in the students of the Sultanate.

With the Oman Children’s Museum as the anchor location for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Arts(STEMA), this initiative is a futuristic blueprint aimed towards inspiring young Omanis to enter STEMAfields.The calendar is a compilation of an assortment of pictures of students enthusiastically honing their skills through hands-on workshops and virtual learning experiences. It also highlights the dedicated teaching faculty that has shown utmost commitment to imparting quality education to the students.

“The youth of today is the future of our country and steering them in the right direction is our responsibility. At Khimji Ramdas, we want to play our part in powering the knowledge economy envisaged in the Oman Vision 2040. The STEMAzone social investment initiative endeavors to invest in Oman’s future by empowering its youth. Aligning itself with the prospects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution stipulated to enrich the knowledge of school students, this initiative will also give talented young Omanis the necessary means to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge in STEMA fields that are required in a modern economy. By dedicating a calendar to the STEMAzone we want to encourage others to join the journey to new-age learning. We also want to express our appreciation to those who have invested their time, energy, and efforts in this initiative, and we encourage them to stay dedicated,” said Mr. Nailesh Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas. “Being well-versed in STEMA fields will give our youth a competitive edge when they step ahead as leaders of tomorrow. The skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience acquired in this field will be increasingly beneficial in the years to come. We will strive to ensure that our youth are ready to take on challenges, become pioneers in their fields, and spearhead revolutions.”