HSBC in the Community
HSBC also plays a significant role in the Omani Community. HSBC is dedicated to an active Corporate Social Responsibility program which includes support for educational, environment, and community projects.
Education
HSBC Oman Sponsors JA More than Money
This training programme serves over 25 classrooms on an annual basis. Through this programme, students are trained on entrepreneurship through academically enriching, and experiential learning sessions in economic education.
HSBC Supports Vocational Training to Underprivileged Women
Oman's growing emphasis on empowering and recognizing Omani women's contributions in the development of the local society has spurred a number of local initiatives aimed at bolstering their learning skills and capabilities, especially those of underprivileged women. HSBC's continuous efforts at promoting diversity in the workplace and the community can be substantiated by supporting such local institutes.
The Omani Women Association in collaboration with the "Art of Beauty" institute (the executing party), an Omani foundation specialized in training Omani women from the social affairs families (through the Ministry of Social Affairs) in the fields of cosmetology, hairdressing, and sales have launched this initiative to empower and support Omani women to start their own businesses and generate their own income. This business concept enables women to work from home in the above-mentioned fields without being burdened by the costs and risks of opening an independent business initially. The institute trains and qualifies women through programs certified by the Ministry of Manpower.
Kid's Read
In collaboration with The British Council, English language teachers in each school and HSBC volunteers will participate in workshops led by experienced British Council trainers, focusing on how to use stories in class. These workshops will carefully link the use of stories to the local English language syllabus and context to ensure sustainability.
Charity organizations
Dar Al Atta Charitable Organization
HSBC in the Community Middle East Foundation has supported Dar Al Atta, a local charity organisation, towards providing uniforms, school supplies and meals to underprivileged students in local public schools for this academic year. In addition a Ramadan Campaign was launched to engage customers and employees to raise funds for underprivileged children and families in Oman.
Association for Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs
The HSBC in the Community Middle East Foundation has supported the Association for Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs for the past five years, through a range of projects that include:
- Construction of an Assessment Unit, which provides measures to assess children's abilities
- Sponsorship of a fundraising event that was held in aid of the Association
- Supporting the operations of their research centre that will assist their efforts in educating more Omani instructors
- Advertising in annual publication that provide a review of their achievements and operations
Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children
HSBC has supported the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children in Al Khoud in setting up a Resource Centre within the branch. The Centre will include IT facilities that will cater for seventy children who attend the Association. It will enable teachers to educate children using the latest technologies and softwares for communication.
If you wish to donate and help the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children to provide the best for its underprivileged Handicapped Children, please deposit your donations in the Account number: 002 287605 001, Name of account: Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children.
Al Noor Association for the Blind - Sohar
HSBC extended its support to the Al Noor Association for the Blind – Sohar by equipping its specialised centre with the required resources (computers, Braille software).
Environment
ESO's Frankincense Project
The research of the effect tapping on fitness related population parameters of Boswellia sacra in Dhofar Mountains is important for Oman, specifically for Dhofar region as Frankincense were the main source of income and the only exported product.
Frankincense trees play important socio-environmental role through distribution to local communities in marginal land not suitable for ordinary agriculture, protect the soil from erosion, provide cover and produces good biomass and makes shade.
The objective of this project is to identify the cuts needed to obtain the Oblibanum with minimal adverse effects on the tree and its seeds, to disseminate the result of harvesters to agencies, ministry of Agriculture and individual farmers, and to spread long-term awareness and education in schools.
HSBC funds and help from HSBC volunteers can help in successfully promoting environmental awareness and to support local unique attributes in Oman.
Musandam Diving Biosphere Expedition
Biosphere is working with HSBC to study and protect the beautiful reefs of the Musandam Peninsula. HSBC volunteers will be working together with scientists to collect data on the current biological status of the reefs and of population levels of key indicator species for educational purposes and to be able to put forward ideas for future marine protection areas, the diving expedition is expected to take place between the 10th - 16th October 2010.
