INJAZ Bahrain announced the conclusion of its unique ‘Tech Valley’ program for the year 2019 with the participation of 58 top students. In partnership with Tamkeen and the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF), the program was tailored with the aim of supporting young Bahraini talent to navigate the next wave of technologies and prepare them for their future in an evolving digital age.
‘Tech Valley’ is a three-week program focused on engaging high school students in hands-on, project-based learning to be successful in technology-based careers. Students who successfully complete the programme receive well-rounded tech-related knowledge. The idea is to provide a direct path from high school to college to career to ensure a steady pipeline of educated professionals.
The Programme focused on a variety of recent topics on digital transformation including ‘FinTech & Blockchain’, ‘Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things’, ‘Big Data & Cloud Computing’ and ‘Cybersecurity’. Students also learned how to accelerate their knowledge with digital user experiences and design thinking.
The program was concluded with a team-based hackathon held in collaboration with Brinc Batelco to apply the acquired modules in the Bahraini ecosystem. The winning team was selected based on scores provided by a judging panel.
The Judging Panel was comprised of: Eman Janahi, Manager of Partnership and Customer Engagement at Tamkeen, Pakiza Abdulrahman, Manager of Business Development at EDB, Abdulla Abdulmajeed, Educational Specialist at Ministry of Education, Marwa Aleskafi, Programs Manager at Brinc Batelco Bahrain, Reza Memari, Technical Support Superintendent at GPIC, Dr. Adel Abdulla Salem, Division Head – Retail Banking at BBK, Yusuf Sater, Director of Network Operations at Batelco.
While much of the Bahrain talent impressed the audience with their ideas, the judging panel chose the best three teams for 2019. Winning teams included: “INJAZ Tech” won the best team in the “Telecommunication Sector”, “2 2 2” won the best team in the “Industrial Sector”, and “Alpha” won the best team in the “Banking and Finance Sector”.
Hana Sarwani, Executive Director of INJAZ Bahrain, commented on the success of the program, stating, ‘At INJAZ Bahrain, we are preparing students to enter the labour market, through providing them with the skills and tools that contribute to instilling their entrepreneurial spirit. INJAZ will always be committed to guide students and allow them to unlock their potential by providing knowledgeable programs and creative workshops. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Tamkeen and the BIBF for providing such an experience to our students and for their continued support of our programs and belief in INAZ Bahrain’s vision. “
On this occasion, Tamkeen’s Chief Executive Dr. Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi said, ‘We believe that the youth form the backbone of an innovative and a diverse economy in any country and allow for sustainable human development. For that reason, Tamkeen spared no efforts in launching and fostering initiatives that fulfill this strategic aim.’
Dr. Janahi stressed the importance of this program, highlighting its outcomes not only in assisting the participating students in gaining insights on the key transformational technologies, but also making them ready through a learning journey with hands-on experience to apply the knowledge gained.
On his part, BIBF’s Director Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh, stated, ‘We are proud to be the Knowledge Partner for this unique initiative, as the BIBF focuses on providing top-notch digital learning and training initiatives to prepare students for the dynamic workplace. ‘Today’s students are digital natives and are more receptive to adapting to new technologies, and our aim is to support the students on their learning journey and to constantly update their skill-sets and knowledge in all aspects of career development. Dr. Al Shaikh also added, ‘In today’s job market, soft skills are necessary but no longer sufficient, thus this program bridges the digital skills gap, preparing students for the workplace of the future.’
The competition was conducted in partnership with a wide range of organizations including industry partners: GPIC, BATELCO, BBK, exclusive strategic partners: BIBF, Tamkeen, and support partners: Brinc, MOE, and EDB.
Known for its overwhelming record of success in supporting Bahraini youth, INJAZ Bahrain has reached more than 200,000 students through the 18 programs that the organization offers.