5th edition of ENOC Challenge launched to promote workplace skills of disadvantaged individuals

Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), launched the fifth edition of its ENOC Challenge corporate social responsibility initiative, aimed at strengthening the career skills of disadvantaged individuals by offering them the opportunity to find meaningful employment to be effectively integrated into mainstream society.

Organised in partnership with the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre and the Community Development Authority (CDA), ENOC Challenge V enrolls 15 disadvantaged individuals in a seven-month comprehensive training programme at ENOC.

The candidates will undergo a wide spectrum of workforce training and internships with various departments at ENOC, thus acquiring social and professional skills essential in today’s workplace environment. The courses will also cover work ethics, customer service, preparing CVs and job interview training.

“At the heart of our corporate social responsibility initiatives is a commitment to further empower disadvantaged members of our society, who are often sidelined because of inadequate workplace skills. Through its past four editions, ENOC Challenge has helped bring a transformational change in the lives of several individuals by instilling in them solid professional skills. In the fifth edition, we will continue to offer comprehensive training programmes that will benefit the participants in the long-term,” said Saeed Abdullah Khoory, ENOC’s Chief Executive Officer.

Amna Al Obaidli, Manager of Community Care at the Community Development Authority, said: “The Community Development Authority works towards the empowerment of people with disabilities and the promotion of social inclusion by giving them the chance to be part of society through strategic partnerships with the public and private sectors. With ENOC Challenge V, we can work together towards providing opportunities for them to fulfill their aspirations.”

Maryam Othman, Director of Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, added: “Over the past four years, we have witnessed strong results in the participants nominated for the ENOC Challenge. They have returned from the programme with new skills that enable them to pursue productive careers and thus enhance their sense of self-worth.”

Over the duration of the programme, the progress achieved by each participant is monitored regularly by the mentors and trainers of the ENOC Learning and Development Department. Following their completion, a graduation ceremony is held where they are presented with certificates.

Khalid Hadi, ENOC Group Brand and Marketing Manager, said: “ENOC Challenge underlines our commitment to society. We are confident that ENOC Challenge V will also achieve its objectives, as in previous years.

ENOC had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA) signed to empower and integrate people with disabilities into mainstream society.  The MoU provides a framework for providing people with disabilities, nominated by CDA, with a unique opportunity to acquire critical professional skills at ENOC and prepare them to join the workforce, making them an active part of the UAE community.

In other key CSR initiatives, ENOC undertakes several concerted campaigns all through the year, and particularly during the Holy Month of Ramadan. This year, ENOC raised funds for Beit Al Khair Society, The Red Crescent Authority (RCA), and Dar Al Ber Society during Ramadan.

Emirates Gas, as subsidiary of the company joined hands with Dar Al Ber Society to provide 300 disadvantaged families in the UAE with free LPG refill. ENOC has also been a key partner of the ‘Care by Giving’ campaign aimed at increasing awareness about autism and raising funds for the Dubai Autism Centre.

ENOC recently won Asia’s top laurel for Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practice at the Asian Leadership Awards (ALA), which honours super achievers in the continent.