ExxonMobil rewards Bayan Bilingual School's top science students

Twenty top science students from BBS, two teachers, one parent and one ExxonMobil Kuwait employee visited Qatar Wednesday April 22, 2009, for a tour of the RasGas facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City. ExxonMobil organized this trip to encourage the youth of today to explore science in practice, and to provide them with information on career opportunities.

On the arrival day, the tour started at Qatar Education City where students enjoyed a taste of what to expect at Weill Cornell Medical College, including a chance to listen and learn more about the human heart and how to detect abnormalities.

The following day, students went on a detailed tour of the gas liquefaction plant in Ras Laffan where they saw how and where LNG is stored in insulated tanks until it is pumped into special tankers for transportation to world markets.

The tour was followed by a visit to the Villaggio Mall for an afternoon of fun and entertainment before catching the plane back to Kuwait.

John Hoholick, President ExxonMobil Kuwait, said:

"ExxonMobil is dedicated to supporting programs that generate interest in science education and provide career options for students. Kuwait needs future scientists and engineers and such activities are an investment in the future of these students."

"We believe in educating students for the rapidly changing world of the 21st century. This is why we welcome companies like ExxonMobil when they offer the opportunity to work with our students and expose them to possibilities. ExxonMobil has provided the means and opportunity to encourage our students and contribute to their motivation to continue scientific studies for a successful and an enriched life," said Ms. Seema Faruqui, Head of Science/ Activities Coordinator at Bayan Bilingual School.

"We take pride in sponsoring programs for students to help them find their career orientation pursue science-related courses in middle school, high school and college," said Aseel Al-Turkait, Public Affairs & Government Relations Advisor, ExxonMobil Kuwait.

She added, "I'm glad to see the dedication of Bayan Bilingual School to their students and most of all the positive response to participate in the educational tour of ExxonMobil in Qatar. The trip was above expectations and with the attendance of these intelligent students, it was beneficial for all of us who attended."

Founded in 1977, Bayan Bilingual School is a non-profit Arabic - English university preparatory educational institution, which fosters an environment for student's to develop the intellectual qualities, ethical values, and positive attitudes required for effective participation and leadership in the over-all development of Kuwait and the rapidly changing world.

"We are happy that our students got a chance to see, up close and personal, what we have been introducing to them through textbooks for years. ExxonMobil has been very gracious in planning this trip for our exceptional students and we look forward to a continued successful relationship with them in the years to come," said Jihad Sadeddin, High School Principal, Bayan Bilingual School.

BBS students' testimony:

Faisal Al Refaei, a Kuwaiti 12th grader student at BBS who took part in last year's trip, said, "Last year was very informative and this year allowed me to explore further details. This trip confirmed my choice to become a Petroleum Engineer."

Yousef Khalaf, a Kuwaiti 12th grader student at BBS, commented, "I thank ExxonMobil for giving us this opportunity. It's very nice to see our school work in practice in everyday life. I know I want to become a Chemical Engineer and this trip gave me a great insight."

Dana Rafic Khader, a Canadian 12th grader student at BBS, added, "the trip benefited my biology classes."

In the Middle East, ExxonMobil's contributions have focused on education, health, and community initiatives. Funding for science and math-based education projects, child disability research and support, and other community partnership activities are just some of the activities ExxonMobil supports in Kuwait.