Creative talents rewarded by Nescafe at Creatival

'Creatival', is an inter-college competition that focuses on transferring imaginations into reality. Students from various universities and colleges around Muscat participated in the event that took place at The College of Banking and Finance on the 17th and 18th of February 2008.

"We were overwhelmed by the quality of entries in all four categories; Photography, Journalism, Poetry and Art" says Claire Boustany, Advertising & Promotions Manager at Nestlé Oman Trading.

Students participating in journalism had to prepare a press article before hand, covering an event that took place between the 15th of January and 15th of February.

Students participating in photography also had to bring in photos for three different categories, historical monuments, people and animals. Arts and poetry were done on the spot during the competition.

The guidelines for each category were set by well renowned experts in their respective field who formed the panel of judges:

Mrs. Fairouz Asfour, Branch Manager of Arab Academy at the Banking and Financial Sciences, guided students through their poem writing. She held the position of Judge for 'poetry' as well.

Mr. Saleh Al Sheibani, Chief Editor of Citybizness Magazine reviewed the articles on journalism and educated students on how to improve their journalistic skills; he also played the role as judge for 'Journalism'.

Mrs. Tahira Al Lawatia, Artist & English Language Lecturer at Majan College, held a position on the panel of judges for 'Arts' and motivated young artists to further develop their artistic skills.

Mr. K.J. George, an experienced Photographer joined Nescafe on the panel of judges for 'photography' gave the participants valuable advises on how they can perfect their talents in photography.

After two days of fun activities and thrilling competitions, anxious students joined Nescafe at the Muscat hall in the College Of Banking & Financial Studies for the announcement of the final winners.

Ali Al Riyami of The Sultan Qaboos University, College Of Commerce received the coveted Photography accolade.

From the College Of Banking & Financial Studies, Nadeeha Azam topped the Journalism.

In poetry, the competition was fierce and the first prize went to Ashraf Al Asmi of The Sultan Qaboos University, College Of Engineering and the second prize went to Faris Al Nasser of Caledonian College Of Engineering.

And from The Higher College Of Technology, Ashraf Al Zadjali claimed his prize for the Art category and walked away with a valuable artist set.

The prizes given to the winners at 'Creatival' were carefully selected to assist students in further developing their talents whilst also being fun and a definite incentive to ensure the talented youth of Oman continue to nurture and develop their talents.

Claire Boustany of Nestle Oman Trading said; "The youth of Oman are key to the future, 'Creatival' was developed specifically to encourage students to realize their potential and further develop their already impressive skills and natural talent.

We are delighted with the response to this years' event and we are proud to add the 'Creatival' to our list of community spirited initiatives."

For the past years, NESCAFÉ has been present in all private and public colleges sharing a stimulating experience with the students and Reaffirming NESCAFÉ's close relationship with and commitment to Omani youth.

With this initiative, NESCAFÉ, Nestlé's premier coffee brand, is making great efforts in bringing the world of arts, closer to the youth of Oman as part of its on-going commitment to the local community.