MUSCAT: The Youth Centre held a freelancer empowerment forum on Monday November 13 at its headquarters in Muscat.
The forum, “Tamakun”, is part of the Centre’s collaborative Empowerment Program for Freelancers with Oman Oil Marketing Company, aimed at supporting young adults who are interested in freelancing.
Speaking to the Observer, Acting Managing Director of the Centre, Maryam Nasser al Kharbooshi, highlighted the significance of the event in empowering young freelancers. “The Youth Center recognizes the importance of developing the talents, capabilities, and creating opportunities for [young freelancers in Oman]. Today's forum serves as an opportunity for exchanging views, learning from successful experiences, and understanding the roles of government entities and the private sector in supporting freelancers," she said.
Additionally, Al Kharbooshi highlighted the role the Centre plays in supporting young freelancers in Oman. “Through our platform, the Youth Center's website, any individual can register as a freelancer or independent worker.”
She explained that registered individuals can list their skills on the website and can later be matched to specific projects or programs.
"This service allows direct communication with freelancers, helping them find opportunities and contributing to their economic needs. It's one of the important paths that assist job seekers, providing economic coverage and simultaneously developing their skills,” she stated.
According to Al Kharbooshi, the Centre hired ten freelancers for the event itself.
The forum included talks by several government entities including the Small and Medium Enterprise Authority, the National Employment Program. In addition to talks by several established Omani freelancers who shared their experiences.
Additionally, the forum included two panel discussions, and specialized consulting clinics for freelancers.
The Empowerment Program for Freelancer “Tamakun” launched in October with 200 registered individuals. The program consists of two stages, including a development and training stage aimed at training and qualifying individuals, and a launch stage aimed a further training 50 participants and providing them with service contracts.
Speaking to the Observer, Khamis al Shuaibi, General Manager Shared Services at Oman Oil Marketing Company, highlighted the significance of the collaboration between the Youth Centre and OOMCO.
Sharing that Youth and Education are one of the main key pillars of the company’s CSR values.
Additionally, he shared that the program will aim to prepare young people at different stages of their lives, to embrace freelancing, as a way to combat unemployment, by providing them with the necessary skills and tools to succeed amidst changing labour laws in the country.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
