Muscat, August 27th 2015 – The Takatuf Scholars Programme, a unit within Takatuf, concluded its annual 22-day Summer Residential Programme (SRP), the intensive first step in the academic programme designed to prepare young Omani learners for success as students, employees and leaders in the 21st century knowledge economy.

60 Omani Grade 10 graduates came together from across the Sultanate at Caledonian College’s Airport Heights Campus, to engage in this programme that provides interactive learning centred on developing critical thinking, reflection, research and communication skills, as well as fluency in information and communication technology (ICT) led by international educators. Takatuf Scholars use their new learning tools as they work together on multi-disciplinary projects that focus on contemporary issues important to Oman related to environment, economy and education, among others.

In residence at the college and engaged for up to 14 hours a day, the students could also enjoy outside study tours to locations of historical and contemporary interest; the Grand Mosque, STOMOs desalination plant, the Botanical Gardens in Al Khoudh and Nizwa Souq. This educational trips enabled the students to gain first hand insights into some key areas of cultural and economic interest.

In keeping with Takatuf’s commitment to developing Omani best practice in all aspects of human capital development, the SRP introduced two innovations to this year’s agenda: “Career Night” was an interactive session where students and representatives from sponsor organisations discussed future career opportunities and preparedness; “Homecoming” was a networking event for the almost two-hundred Takatuf Scholars from the 2012 to 2014 cohorts.

The Takatuf Scholars Programme has developed Omani best practice for the acquisition and learning of 21st century skills and abilities. The experience is one that prepares all Takatuf Scholars for scholarship competitions and success as lifelong learners.