July 30, 2006
Shamil Bank chosen over other banks for the “Joint Action Learning Initiative” of the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Program

Shamil Bank of Bahrain has been selected from among all private companies in Bahrain by the Crown Prince’s Court to participate in the Summer Joint Action Learning Program which is part of the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Program (CPISP). The only other company selected is the Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco).

The project which is a joint business action learning initiative is implemented in cooperation with two highly reputed international development consultants: Rob Rorich & Associates and Aligned Learning.

The two month Action Learning Program involves eight CPISP students, who will be working in two groups, each of four students assisted by a Task Force comprising of Shamil Bank staff, on special projects designed to maximize learning and business understanding for students. The scheme will provide a practical training opportunity for the participants.

Shamil Bank’s top leadership was involved in crafting significant real business challenges for the Action Learning Program. The group of students and Shamil Task Force will have 50 days to work on their challenges, and offer the Bank recommendations and proposed solutions. The positive outcome of the project will benefit Shamil Bank’s management, shareholders and stakeholders in the long run.

Mr. Mohammed Hussain, Chief Executive of Shamil Bank has offered his full support for the Program. He also assured provision of all necessary resources so that the Program meets all its objectives and completes successfully within the allocated timeframe. “The management is looking forward to benefiting from the outcome of the Program and its successful implementation at Shamil Bank” said Mr. Hussain who also commended the initiative and stressed on the need for close coordination between the students’ group and Shamil Task Force in order to achieve the desired results.

Commenting on the Program Mr. Ahmed Abdul Rahim, General Manager Support Group of Shamil Bank highlighted the benefits of the project for the students and the Bank alike. He said that “the Bank’s senior management and the staff, each in its respective capacity, extend full support and backing for the Program and that the executive management is looking forward to the recommendations and the proposed solutions which will be implemented to further enhance the Bank’s adoption of best practices.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Yousuf Abdulla Yousuf, Shamil’s Head HR and Administration and the Chief Coordinator of the Program on behalf of the Bank said “the experience is unique and rich in its own class – one that will significantly hone and harness the skills, talents and capabilities of the working groups of students and the Task Force within the stipulated time period.” He called on Shamil Bank’s Task Force to benefit from the experience and implement its outcome to ensure development and progress of the Bank. Mr. Yousuf also praised the role of the Bank’s senior management in being proactive and providing valuable support to the Task Force. He also praised the role of the Crown Prince’s Court in the designing and coordination of the program and wished them every success.