BAE Systems launches educational initiative with Young Arab Leaders Bahrain

The agreement, signed between Mark Simpkins, Director, BAE Systems, Bahrain and His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al- Khalifa, Chairman, YAL, reflects BAE System’ commitment to the community it serves.

Under the terms of the agreement, BAE Systems will sponsor eight local YAL members to attend a two week leadership development course that will be run by renowned training specialists - The Leadership Trust.

Mark Simpkins, Director, BAE Systems in Bahrain, said, “BAE Systems’ commitment towards developing the community we serve is paramount. Education and training is vital to transforming the lives of our next generation of leaders and to that end we admire the work YAL is doing to foster essential leadership skills in Bahrain and beyond.

Our partnership agreement with YAL will provide eight accomplished individuals with a platform from which to engage in a dialogue about the leadership challenges currently facing young Bahrainis. The program designed by the Leadership Trust should equip the participants with the skills they need to become enlightened leaders who will work towards finding long-term, sustainable solutions to issues affecting the Middle East region today.”

Over the last five years, BAE Systems has developed its corporate responsibility activity, increasing its community involvement. In 2007, BAE Systems announced a major sponsorship deal with the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) to assist in the training and development of the nation’s athletes. BAE Systems sponsorship agreement with the BAA helped fund two annual athletic championships and has provided ongoing support for the BAA’s Talent Development Programme and its Elite Athlete Programme.

BAE Systems employees across the globe raised $16m for good causes and the company invested a total of $16.4m into the global community at the end of 2006.

YAL Bahrain was launched three years ago by His Excellency Crown Prince Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Commander in Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, to galvanize enterprising individuals to take a more responsible role in improving the state of the Arab world. YAL’s Chairman, His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board.

His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al- Khalifa, Chairman, YAL, explained the significance of YAL’s partnership with BAE Systems, “The YAL forum was set up to empower and create opportunities for Arab youth. Working together with partners like BAE Systems YAL is able to actively promote education, leadership and entrepreneurship within the local community. The specialist training programme provided by BAE Systems and the Leadership Trust will go a long way towards nurturing our young leaders and providing them with a solid foundation on which to grow and realise their full potential.”

“This elite group of YAL members will be exposed to new cultures and challenges that will mould their global perspectives and help them achieve a greater understanding of how to positively contribute to the development of our nation,” concluded His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Essa Al- Khalifa.

The two week course, that will take place in Scotland and Ross-on-Wye in the United Kingdom, aims to enhance the participants’ personal development and challenge their leadership skills.

The intensive programme will see YAL members exposed to cultural life in the UK, engaged in project work and stimulated through debate. At the conclusion of the programme participants will be able to examine the insights they have gained over the two weeks and define personal objectives for their leadership style that can be applied in a real- world setting.

Over the course of the programme YAL members will meet with local people, youth groups, community, business, religious, sports, political and cultural representatives as well as local councillors. Real world problems including moral and ethical dilemmas being faced by some of the people they meet will be examined. Participants will then debate on issues ranging from protection of the environment to integration of faiths in public schools in order to better grasp the complexities of running a large enterprise.