Duqm Refinery programme focuses on promoting STEM subjects among students

Muscat: Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohsin bin Hamad Al Maskary, Wali of Duqm, Duqm Refinery, again has officially launched its second edition of ‘Science of a Refinery’ programme in Duqm.
Building on its inaugural launch from last year, the programme aims to further instil an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects amongst school students in Duqm and the surrounding areas.
The chief guest and other dignitaries witnessed schoolchildren being introduced to the working of a refinery in theory and then through classroom-based experiments learn the core fundamentals of chemistry, physics and engineering and relate this to various processes involved in refining.
Duqm Refinery develops ‘The Science of a Refinery’ programme in partnership with Engineering for Kids - Oman branch. This venture inspires children in the STEM and brings about an interest in the subjects in a fun and inspiring way that complement and enrich the existing school curriculum.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Directorate General of Education in Al Wusta region. The programme is to run for three days. This year the programme has been extended to include other parts of Al Wusta region too. Twenty-four interactive workshops will be delivered in seven schools in Al Wusta region. The programme aims to impact more than 600 students aged 8 to 14 enrolled in grades 2 to 8. The programme will be delivered in Bahr Al Arab School, Duqm School, Dahar School, Ras Madraka School, Shumookh School, Haitam School and Masirath Al Khair School.
Commenting on the programme, Al Maskary said, “I am amazed to see the response from children towards the experiments and to see how curious they are.”
He further added, “These are the future generation of Al Duqm, from the career choices they decide to take on in the near future, they have the opportunity to give back to the community and contribute to the development of Duqm and the Sultanate.”
On the occasion, Dr Salim Said Al Mashani, director of Directorate General of Education in Al Wusta region said, STEM subjects are key requirements for many jobs in the field of science and technology. Such initiatives would help our students to identify their future career paths as well as it will also enhance their theoretical and practical skills. We value Duqm Refinery support for such initiatives that contribute to the learning process of students.”
“The pursuit of education in STEM subjects is key to growing a sustainable economy,” said Jasim Al Ajmi, head of Corporate Sustainability at Duqm Refinery. He added, “We believe that to this effect, we have a responsibility to work with government and non-government entities to create and provide as many avenues as possible to allow young children to participate in and interact with STEM subjects. Through exposing young children to the wonders of science and engineering at a young age, we hope to inspire in them the need to further study these subjects in the future so they maximise their opportunities to compete for various technical jobs within the refinery and other energy projects in Oman.”
Under Sawaed, Duqm Refinery’s Staff voluntary platform, Graduate Engineers and other employees at Duqm Refinery are volunteering their time to support the company’s CSR team to deliver this initiative, assisting in the live experiments and speaking to students about Engineering and Sciences as future career paths that students can choose.