This summer, the Yanbu Technical Institute (YTI), Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Co. (YASREF), and 40 high school students proved that learning new skills and helping out in the community never takes a vacation. It was an excellent corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative allowing YASREF to gain a higher profile in the community.

The community services centre within YTI has long understood that there are many young students who embrace learning new things even during summer vacation and that’s why they teamed with YASREF to put together a special summer school for qualified students from June 14 to Aug. 12.

The program was designed to challenge students with subject matter slightly above their current abilities. The key objective was not only to contribute toward students’ personal development but also to equip them with technical skills that will help them in real life.

Classes and activities were related to environmental pollution, renewable energy, electricity and electronics technical skills, communication, negotiation and leadership skills. Students also took part in community activities, including an intense Red Sea beach clean-up when the students donned YASREF branded short-sleeve polo shirts.

The closing ceremony for the program was officiated by YTI GM Hamad Al-Hamdi and included students, sponsors, fathers and high-level officials from the institute who were all able to view the student projects before seeing all the participants and sponsors receive their certificates and awards.

Al-Hamdi also conveyed the warm regards of Yanbu Royal Commission Executive Manager Alaa Nasif, who has also been impressed by the work of everyone involved.