Oman

Alumni participated as judges in an Environmental Challenge in Muscat.

Alumni gathered at a local coffee shop, Kargeen, in Muscat this past December to welcome AMIDEAST’s new Oman Country Director, Sarah Jackson, and new Program Assistant Dina Al-Khalili. They also met AMIDEAST Vice President, Leslie Nucho, who was visiting Oman. After a round of introductions the alumni were asked what they have achieved so far, how life has been back in Muscat, and about their future plans. Salma Al Abri `07, has kept in touch with her host mother and has encouraged her to make a visit to Oman. Kulthoom Al Khamayasi `06, mentioned that her natural family was surprised at how mature she has become since returning from the program. Salim Al Khaldi `04, has graduated from high school and has been granted a scholarship from Oman Air to study in Australia to become a pilot. He believes that his participation in the YES program had a lot to do with winning his scholarship. “YES definitely shaped my personality and taught me to be a hard and diligent worker,” Salim said smiling. All of the students noted that YES has been a wonderful life-changing experience and it has shaped who they are today. The alumni also discussed their ideas for organizing future alumni community service projects. Khulthoom suggested that the group team up with a charitable organization and raise donations to help people in remote areas to restore their houses which were damaged in the wake of Hurricane Gonu. She said, “As much as our government has sent aid to these people, there are some who are still homeless and negatively impacted by this natural disaster. I believe it is our duty to help.” Suleiman Al Yahyaei `05, attends a school which organizes a student-led annual “Charity Day”. He mentioned that his classmates were able to raise 5,000 Omani riyals last year in a single day! Suleiman remarked, “YES alumni should be able to raise funds easily with all of their first hand experience in volunteer work gained while living in the United States.” Other ideas included serving in an orphanage or a home for the elderly and putting together a short film of their activities. The alumni gathering ended-up becoming a dynamic brainstorming session and all are all looking forward to beginning some projects this spring.

On January 30th Sami Al Asmi `05, Zuwaina Al Maskary `05, Ali Al Mazroui `06, and Salem and Suleiman all participated in the Omani Environmental Challenge Workshop held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Muscat. The workshop had a number of environmental activists as guest speakers including Diane MacEachern , author of the book “Save our Planet: 715 Everyday Ways You Can Help Clean-Up the Earth”. The alumni enjoyed the sessions and found them informative. All five served as judges for team competitions, including a beach clean-up, a tree planting contest, and an environmental quiz. After the event, the alumni signed up to become members of the Omani Environmental Society.