At a prestigious Gala Dinner attended by Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Executive Director of inJAz Bahrain, Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain honoured the 2008/2009/2010 students, who successfully completed the highly acclaimed Sophia Antipolis Mentorship Programme, Also attending was His Excellency M. Yves Oudin, the French Ambassador to Bahrain, Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, Managing Director and CEO of KFH-Bahrain, dignitaries and the Banks Senior Management.
In her opening address, Shaikha Hessa said, “inJAz Bahrain’s mission is to inspire and prepare young Bahrainis to succeed in a global economy. With KFH-Bahrain’s steadfast support year after year, we have, to date, been able to send 70 secondary school students on the Mentorship Programme and in 2010 for the first time we were also able to send students from the University of Bahrain.”
She continued, “We are grateful to KFH-Bahrain and especially Mr. Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, for the support provided to inJAz Bahrain and this unique initiative, which is considered to be a chance of a lifetime for the Kingdoms youth to learn various skill sets related to leadership, management, communication, innovation and creativity.”
Mr. Alkhayyat congratulated the role of Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Executive Director of inJAz Bahrain, for promoting this highly sought-after programme. He also congratulated the participants and their parents and commented, “This is a very special occasion, where we celebrate the graduation of our brightest and most dedicated and motivated young achievers.” He highlighted that the students were selected to attend the Mentorship Programme based on their academic excellence, distinctive scholastic track records and good behaviour.
Since the 2006/07 group of students were first mentored, KFH - Bahrain has sent sixteen students each year to the Sophia Antipolis Science Park. This renowned Research & Development hub, considered to be Europe’s top Science and Technology Park, is located in the south of France. It teaches the students effective professional and managerial skills, develops leadership and entrepreneurship.
Expanding upon the programme, Mr. Alkhayyat said, “Through this Mentorship Programme, we are able to make an effective and resounding impact - equipping ambitious young Bahraini students with the best of skills and offer them the broadest of opportunities at which to excel.”
Throughout the Mentorship Programme, students are able to interact with professionals, academics and CEOs from various centres as well as science and technology related organisations. The students gain valuable experience by meeting world renowned ‘mentors’, who interact with them in small groups and are dedicated to helping them strengthen their ability to innovate. These mentors share their own industry expertise, show the students how to refine their skills and provide them with networking opportunities.
Mr. Alkhayyat continued, “Our concept brings diversity and balance; this high level programme has gone beyond the traditional method of mentoring, it has become a model of creativity and innovation for aspiring leaders and it is continuing to evolve each year.”
In his closing statements, Mr. Alkhayyat confirmed the Bank’s long-term commitment to the youth of Bahrain saying, “KFH-Bahrain’s management philosophy is dedicated to fostering local talent. This Mentorship Programme supports our long term strategies and allows us to do more and more for our nation, to drive forward its growth and prosperity.”