ENOC concludes Challenge V and Masiraty III programmes for 17 underprivileged participants

Seventeen candidates now have a more robust opportunity to pursue fulfilling careers after recently graduating from Emirates National Oil Company’s ENOC Challenge V and Masiraty III programmes, corporate social responsibility initiatives geared towards enhancing the professional skills of underprivileged sectors in society.

The participants, who interned at various departments under the supervision of dedicated mentors, received graduation certificates from ENOC. Both initiatives are designed to strengthen the participants’ professional and social skills, increase their knowledge base, and equip them to become more active participants in nation-building by pursuing rewarding careers.

ENOC’s Challenge programme, now in its fifth edition, was organised in partnership with the Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre and the Community Development Authority CDA, and enrolled individuals with special needs for a seven-month training programme.

Masiraty, which completed its third edition, is ENOC’s five-month training programme for UAE nationals living on welfare, with the participants nominated by the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs.

“We are proud of the progress achieved by the participants of ENOC’s Challenge V and Masiraty III,” said Saeed Abdullah Khoory, ENOC’s Chief Executive Officer. Through a clearly structured training programme and under the guidance of dedicated mentors, they have gained skills that will make a difference in their lives. We see a brighter future for them, and are pleased that our corporate social responsibility initiatives enable the disadvantaged sectors of society to become productive contributors to our workforce.”

“We are committed to strengthening the skill sets of these talented individuals, especially those who are economically underprivileged, and empower them to pursue rewarding careers that will make a difference to their lives and help them be an active member of the community and the UAE,” said Mona Ajeef Al Zaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services at the Ministry of Social Affairs. “The Masiraty programme by ENOC is a great opportunity for the participants to gain strong work-related skills. The latest edition of the programme also served as a model for government-industry partnerships in human resources empowerment.”

All participants had clearly defined roles and responsibilities during their training, and were guided by individual mentors and supervised by ENOC’s Learning and Development Department. The training programmes also covered work ethics, customer service, preparing resumes and job interview training, with the objective of equipping them with social and professional skills essential in today’s workplace environment.

“Integrating all members of the community and empowering them is a main strategic objective of CDA,” said Dr. Omar Al Muthanna CEO of Social Regulatory and Licensing Sector and Acting CEO of Social Care Sector at the Community Development Authority. “We are pleased to partner with ENOC in this landmark training programme that offers people with disabilities the chance to train in a real workplace setting, understand the requirements of the job and gain new skills that will help their recruitment in jobs that focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities.”

“It is not often that organisations step forward to offer hands-on training programmes for special needs candidates”, said Jade Howe, Senior Occupational Therapist of Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre. “The ENOC Challenge programme is a model for how we can further integrate these truly special individuals and encourage them to become part of the mainstream by acquiring strong work skills.”

The twelve candidates with special needs, nominated by the CDA and Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre for ENOC Challenge V, were trained across various sectors including Card Marketing, Administration Service & Facility, Procurement & Contracts, Occupational Health Clinic, EPPCO Lubricants, Tasjeel, and Human Resources based on their individual skills, aptitude and preference.

The five candidates nominated by the Ministry of Social Affairs for the Masiraty programme worked in Government Relations, ENOC Retail, Learning & Development, Tasjeel and the Administration Service & Facility Department.

ENOC earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with CDA to empower and integrate people with disabilities into mainstream society. 

ENOC undertakes several CSR campaigns throughout the year, and particularly during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Last year, ENOC raised funds for Beit Al Khair Society, The Red Crescent Authority, and Dar Al Ber Society during Ramadan. ENOC is the recipient of Asia’s top laurel for Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practice at the Asian Leadership Awards, which honours super achievers in the continent.

Recently, the company also launched the Tatweer initiative to encourage young nationals to undertake retail management career roles as well as advance in their careers.