DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has concluded the fifth version of its Springboard programme, organised in cooperation with the British Council in Qatar and Springboard UK.
The course aimed at achieving professional, economic, and social empowerment of Qatari women. The four-week course at Millennium hotel was attended by 40 women from low-income families in Qatar.
The participants were divided into two groups, each attending four workshops on successful planning for their lives, how to overcome bad feelings, and focus and enhancement of strengths.
During the certificate awarding ceremony, some trainees recounted how the workshop helped them get rid of the negative perspective about themselves and their surroundings, think and live with positive energy, and find a fresh meaning for life.
“In the past, we forgot ourselves and lived for others only. After this course, we have learnt that we are capable of giving in many fields to serve our society. By doing so, we will feel more significant, create our own new lives in which we make use of every moment, and take more care of our children and families,” said a participant.
Rana Al Qatami, human development trainer and the instructor of Springboard courses said, “Despite the various backgrounds of the participants, they responded greatly to the course. From the first workshop, they proved very interactive. Many of them had inner issues and life challenges.”
“One participant illustrated the shift in her life following the course by drawing a picture of a water-filled jar and another empty one. Her life is like those two jars; prior to the course, she had concerns and trouble, and after the course, all these concerns and trouble were relieved and ventilated,” she added.
Regarding the concept and importance of the program, Hanadi Al Moallem, Head of Empowerment at QRCS, said, “Professional empowerment is part of the development framework adopted by QRCS Social Development Division through meaningful projects designed to advance the Qatari women and help them attain and invest in their potential. They are encouraged to change themselves, believing that women are an integral part of society that has rights and responsibilities. One of these projects is Springboard, conducted in cooperation with the British Council.”
QRCS has already held four Springboard courses over two years, serving 72 women at a cost of QR150,000. It was developed by two world’s top personal development consultants, Jenny Daisley and Liz Willis. Launched in Qatar in 2009 in cooperation with the Qatari Businesswomen Association, the program awards internationally recognized certificates from Springboard UK and the British Council.
The Peninsula
