Bedaya Centre hosts meeting with national firms

The Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneurship and Career Development (Bedaya Centre) has met with representatives of national companies and institutions to connect them with Qatar’s young generation to encourage them to contribute towards the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and for a better society.During the meeting, Bedaya Centre also showcased the achievements of the Entrepreneurship Department during the first half of this year, led by a team of trainers and certified mentors. Reem al-Suwaidi, general manager of Bedaya Centre for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, said: “We are pleased to see the large participation of national companies, entrepreneurs and business leaders in this meeting, which would contribute towards our economy by investing in our youth who are the backbone of our future.“The meeting was in line with the directives of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, seeking to qualify nationals to become permanent and sustainable entrepreneurs. We are confident that this meeting will play a crucial role in enhancing our national economy and to meet the needs of the SME sector.”In first half of 2017, Bedaya Centre hosted a total of 70 workshops in various fields that saw the attendance of more than 2,500 participants. The centre provided more than 144 hours of consultation to entrepreneurs who are constantly seeking to reach their goals that will support the economy of Qatar. In addition, the Entrepreneurship Department reviewed the bazaars established by the centre during that period that was attended by more than 150 small- and medium-sized companies, according to a press statement.The meeting also discussed the planned programmes of Bedaya Centre for the second half of 2017. These include workshops on the basics of Entrepreneurship, as well as specialised workshops in fields of business. The workshops will include an initial prototype workshop in collaboration with Qatar Scientific Club and will be held from August 6 to 9.As part of the summer programme for youth clubs, Bedaya Centre - in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, will host workshops from August 21 to 23. In addition, a workshop on “How to employ qualified people for small businesses?” will be held on November 20.Other events scheduled are Forums for Children’s Projects in October, the Health Projects Forum in November and the Qatar Entrepreneurship Forum in December.The meeting also highlighted the ‘Dukan Bedaya’ project, which includes a number of “unique local projects” established by a group of creative and aspiring Qatari youth to present their products in an innovative way to attract the public and define the nature of their work.The meeting gave the Career Development Department an opportunity to review the services provided to the public through vocational guidance, training in basic skills and the working environment, providing volunteer and training opportunities for students, as well as linking students and the Qatari labour market through many programs offered by the centre.The Career Development Department noted that more than 4,320 people attended workshops and training programmes and about 250 consultancy hours were held at the centre’s headquarters for small and medium enterprises. During the first half of 2017, more than 6,500 students from nine universities participated in the 38 development programmes with the assistance of 20 speakers and trainers who presented workshops and training programmes. During this period, more than 80 projects were supported from the concept stage to the implementation. Among the achievements were eight accredited Qatari trainers who received internationally accredited certificates in the field of professional development.The professional development section also revealed the programmes for the second half of this year. Starting this month until October, a vocational training programme will be held, which will help prepare young people to move to the appropriate work environment by providing them with practical experiences related to them and to help them identify their professional interests and develop their leadership and personal skills by expanding their knowledge in field training.In November, the Career Awareness Week will be held to educate all segments of Qatari society about the importance of professional development by bringing together a number of professionals and pioneers in various fields of the Qatari labour market to present their career and achievements. The Bedaya camp, scheduled for two weeks from July to August, aims to develop students in the professional field by introducing them to the most important professions in the country, and educating them about the most important specialities, in addition to recreational activities aimed at developing and honing their skills.During the months of September and November, a ‘Mehna Café – Career Café’ event will be held with an experienced professional who will discuss with the participants their professional career in a coffee shop. In December, the Entrepreneurship Division will hold a ‘Khalak Qeyadi’ event at the school level, targeting student council members to develop student leadership.Finally, the marketing department at Bedaya revealed a major marketing campaign at a mall for the centre’s activities, hosting of a breast cancer bazaar with Georgetown University and the National Day celebrations.