Kuwait – 27 January 2016: Gulf Bank recently participated in the honorary ceremony for the Jahzeen 2 Program, a training program sponsored by the Bank, the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP) and Ooredoo to promote the development of Kuwaiti youth.

The ceremony recently took place at MGRP's theater, where Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Al-Zain Al-Sabah stated that the Ministry supported 350 youth initiatives in different areas. Al-Sabah stressed on the importance of maintaining a young creative generation, and to develop their abilities and hone their talents to better prepare them for work in the private sector in Kuwait.

Highlighting the Bank's efforts towards Kuwait's young generation, Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj – General Manager Human Resources at Gulf Bank addressed the youth and stressed on the importance of surpassing obstacles and moving forward. Al-Hajjaj highlighted that youth are the future and the power of Kuwait, and that supporting them is a collaborative responsibility.

Al-Hajjaj said: "We are proud to take part in this important initiative which aimed at promoting the development of Kuwaiti youth. It is our responsibility to support and build a qualified generation that will improve the overall national labor market in Kuwait, both in the private and public sectors. The Bank spares no effort in investing in youth as they are the nation's wealth, and we encourage all initiatives concerned with the banking sector."

"At Gulf Bank, we have a long-term commitment to invest in our employees and encourage them to take up training opportunities to develop their skills. One of the bank's successful programs is Ajyal which includes a selection of outstanding employees and aims at creating strong calibers of Kuwaiti youth ready to take on any challenges they may face."

Chief Manager of the Jahzeen program Abdullah Al-Hajri stated that the program aims at developing youths' skills and preparing them for the work environment. While Tareq Al Derbas, Founder of Taqat Youth Investment Company stated that the Jahzeen program will soon be introduced in Oman in cooperation with Oman's Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Al Derbas added that graduates from the Jahzeen program will become members of Taqat Club which will maintain communication lines between the club's members, as well as develop their experience and training.

Jahzeen Program targets senior university students, fresh graduates as well as employed youth with one year of experience. The program featured soft skill training courses such as writing skills and time management, personality assessments, and seminars by professionals sharing their experience specifically within the private sector as well as to guide them to choose the most suitable job to be able to excel and be creative in their future work.

As part of its social responsibility strategy, Gulf Bank is committed to being involved in activities that support youth development.  Human capital has always been at the forefront of the bank's priorities and this commitment includes Kuwait-based activities such as mentoring programs or training to help students achieve their full career potential.