An Introduction to Silatech January 2013

1. Supporting Quality Career Guidance in Qatar and the Region: Capacity Building in Educational Institutions An Introduction to Silatech January 2013 Dr. Rachel Awad Associate Director, Employability

2. The Challenge The Arab world today contains the largest proportion of youth in the region’s history. 112 million between 15-29 (30% of total population) Arab youth unemployment (25%) is the highest of any region in the world. The failure of most Arab countries to integrate this group—economically, socially and politically—has been a major cause of the “Arab Spring.”

3. Mission and Vision Mission To connect young people with improved opportunities for employment, enterprise and civic engagement. We do this by mobilizing knowledge, investment, technology and networks, and by influencing mindsets and policies that are key to unlocking wider impact. Vision An Arab world in which young people are able to work, and are engaged in the economic and social development of their societies. Fast Facts • Founded in 2008 under the leadership of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser • “Silatech” comes from the Arabic work “Sila” which means connection.” In Arabic, “Silatech” means “your connection.”

4. What We Do • Help young people choose the right career • Boost employability skills among young people • Connect young entrepreneurs with financing and assistance • Spur investment in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) • Advocate job-creating governmental policies • Advise corporations on youth-friendly CSR practice • Change regional mindsets on youth and work • Commission practical, action-oriented research • Build the capabilities of youth-serving organizations

5. Where We Operate Scope: All 22 countries of the Arab League Silatech currently has projects in place in 11 countries, as well as some which cover the entire region.

6. Core Programs SME Development Civic Engagement Employability Microenterprise

7. Career Guidance • Context • Youth unemployment: 27% across the Arab region, 11% in Qatar. • Qatar faces a“misemployment” challenge due to the pressures of Qatarization. • Career guidance in the Arab world is a fledgeling concept, and the capacity to deliver quality career guidance services to the regions’ youth remains extremely underdeveloped. The Challenge Practitioners and researchers have identified the lack of career guidance services as on of the key challenges for regional employability support.

8. Addressing the Challenge Creating objective, scientific tools to help young people become more self aware Providing institutional access to youth-serving institutions Capacity building individuals to delivery quality career guidance services. Results (Nov. 200– Feb. 2013)

9. Online Psychometric Assessments Capacity Building Institutional Partnerships • Personality, Cognitive Processing, Career Inventory • Objectively measure aptitudes, interests & motivations • Available in Arabic, French & English • All results normed to the Arab region • Colleges and Universities • Schools • Governments • NGOs • Over centers in 6 countries • Comprehensive 3-4 day training program • Hands on, interactive, practice sessions • Technical and non-technical aspects of service delivery • Career Advisor Certification

10. Tailored and meaningful feedback For advisors… For youth… Leadership (Showing Skills) This candidate likes to try work and activities which will challenge their initiative, and allow them to display their skills. They will respond well to encouragement that gives them the freedom to try out their own idea and will be motivated most by job roles which promote them to use these skills and give them the ability to develop leadership work towards being leader. Showing Your Skills You like the type of work and tasks that give you a challenge, where you can show your skills. You are more likely to be successful if you get involved with groups or organizations where you can take on responsibilities and work towards being a leader. القيادة (إبراز المهارات) هذا المتقدم يرغب في العمل والقيام بالأنشطة التي تدفعه إلى المبادرة والتحدي وتسمح له بإظهار مهاراته. يستجيب بشكل جيّد للتشجيع الذي يعطيه الحرية في اختيار أفكاره، ويكون أكثرحماسا عند القيام بدور وظيفي يشجعه على استخدام مهاراته ويعطيه القدرة نحو تطوير عمل قيادي لبصبح قائدا. إبراز مهاراتك تفضل المهام والمسؤوليات التي تخلق لديك إحساساً بالتحدي وتمكّنك من إظهار مهارتك. من المرجح أن تكون ناجحا في العمل ضمن مجموعات أو في مؤسسات، تستطيع فيها تحمل المسؤوليات والعمل لتصبح قائدا.

11. Tamheed in Qatar College of the North Atlantic - Qatar Qatar University BedayaCenter for Entrepreneurship and Career Development Community College of Qatar

12. Tamheed in Qatar WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING “Every student should be required to take these and get counselling to help them decide what to study.” “I have learned things about myself – and my strengths – that I never knew before. I am thinking seriously about my future as a result of this guidance.” WHAT CAREER ADVISORS ARE SAYING “The training and the materials are extremely useful. We are now able to better support the youth of our country.” “Thank you for enabling us to provide a service that our young people need.” Through these partner institutions over 90% of all Qatari students who are enrolled in higher education in Qatar have access to these quality career guidance services.

13. www.tamheed.org