Guiding, Inspiring, and Transforming Saudi Youth
to Become Global Citizens

The educational system in any society is greatly responsible for unemployment. In the Saudi market, graduates of the system are not hired by the private sector because they, quite simply, do not fit the criteria of available positions which require a minimum blend of knowledge, skills, and attitude. Saudi youth have increasingly been described as ignorant, dependent, materialistic, indolent, and lacking in curiosity, commitment, initiative, imagination, self-knowledge, civic responsibility, sense of purpose, and powers of reflection. It is argued that if reforms were to be introduced immediately, it would still take many years to produce desired results, yet the country, and its people, cannot afford to wait that long. Dramatic change is already long overdue.

QANTARA is designed to help address the private sector's concerns yet simultaneously producing tangible benefits to job seekers, the government, and the country at large. It addresses age-old issues that affect the labor market more acutely now than ever before. QANTARA approaches familiar issues from an original and unconventional perspective as it seeks to be the bridge of transformation needed by our youth in order to become global citizens and, as a result, more readily employable. The program offers a unique approach to true human resource development, and strives to be simultaneously holistic, broad, and balanced. The QANTARA experience provides concomitant cultural, moral, emotional, and spiritual development, within a system of pedagogy designed to awaken, develop, empower, and maximize the full potential of the individual. Throughout the program, the participants are led to seek common ground with diverse peoples and to develop shareable human values, rather than focusing on differences alone.

Qantara is setting precedence by being the first out of country training initiative that is:

•  Recognized by the Human Resources Development Fund
•  Sponsored by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
•  Selected by the National Charity Fund to support needy families
•  Introducing a student loan scheme in the country through collaboration agreements with local commercial banks, and other institutions
•  Guaranteeing immediate employment in a wide variety of promising careers
•  Offering Scholarships that provide participants the opportunity to pursue a University Degree

According to Tagore, “Education necessarily becomes the preparation for a complete life of man, which can only be possible by living that life, through knowledge and services, enjoyment and creative work.”

I have the honor of seeking your collaboration in one of the most progressive efforts for quality and sustainable Saudization; and hope that you join me in supporting this endeavor to create a better future for our youth and country.

Hassan Abdurrahman Othman

Founder of QANTARA

Chairman & CEO of SHARAKA