By Maria Cometti
With all plans in Saudi Arabia geared towards the fulfillment of Vision 2030, the British Council is supporting the plan through its Springboard Program that helps Arab women achieve their full potential in both their professional and personal lives. Program Director Faten Lahham Haider gives us a glimpse of this life-changing program.
One of the aims of Vision 2030, the National Transformation Plan, is to develop the talents of women and invest in their productive capabilities. The Springboard program, developed by the British Council, is spearheading the women’s personal development movement in Saudi Arabia and guiding women to realize their fullest potential.
Springboard has already helped more than 8,000 women achieve their personal development goals. If your organization is engaged with developing women’s outreach programs or if you would like to develop your staff and provide them opportunities to grow within your organization, Springboard is the ideal program for you.
Faten Lahham Haidar, the Program Director and Lead Trainer for the British Council’s Springboard Program, gave DQ Living a glimpse of the life changing program.
What is Springboard?
Springboard is a leading UK-based women’s development program designed by women, for women. The program was initiated to help women realize their potential and achieve success in their person and professional lives.
How was the Springboard Program developed in Saudi Arabia?
The British Council, based in the Diplomatic Quarter, has a presence in Saudi Arabia spanning over 50 years. After conducting in-depth research on the needs of women in Saudi Arabia, Springboard was tailored to meet those needs. Springboard was translated into Arabic and adapted to suit the local culture.
Who are the best candidates for Springboard training?
This program suits women from all backgrounds, ages, and stages of their lives. Although the program was initially written and developed for women in non-management grades, women from all levels, including management, have participated in the program to the benefit of their personal and career development.
Can you give us an example of a specific exercise that is part of the Springboard training?
For practicing the assertiveness skills, participants should participate in a role-play using a case study in order to demonstrate the assertive skills they learned and encourage a group discussion about what went well and areas to polish.
What are some of the organizations that have benefited from Springboard?
We have around 30 partners around the kingdom, in different fields, such as King Abdulaziz University, Al Nahda Philanthropic Society, Olayan, and Saed Hospital.
What is the feedback you have received from companies that have implemented Springboard training?
Organizations report significant improvement in ways participants communicate with their colleagues and customers. Also, participants have a better vision of their goals and become more positive in dealing with challenges.
The Springboard Program is full of success stories. Can you tell us a few?
Many participants have advanced their careers as result of Springboard training. For example, we recently had a former administrator become a trainer. One participant started her own business, and a blind woman became a trainer also.
How do you envision the Springboard Program developing in the future?
In the future we plan to Introduce the program to more special needs women and also reach university female students. Furthermore, we hope to reach more neglected women.
British CouncilSaudi ArabiaP.O. Box 58012,Riyadh, 11594,Saudi ArabiaContact Number:920003668Email: KSAinfo@sa.britishcouncil.org
