The report found that in the Middle East, the use of self-paced e-learning tools is growing as well, albeit at just eight percent. Reasons for this slower growth could be the lack of e-learning materials in Arabic, the continuing emphasis on traditional educational delivery channels, inadequate broadband infrastructure, high data costs and the lack of acceptance by employers of e-learning tools and certifications.
Despite the many hurdles, this year at companies and government organizations across the Middle East, Dubai-Headquartered Knowledge Horizon introduced its “Work Ethics in Ramadan” e-learning program. From Saudi Arabia, Khalid Ali Alturki & Sons (Alturki), a leading family owned investment and development company, supported the program as a Silver Partner. The initiative was put forward by Knowledge Horizon and its partners to gently initiate discussion about behavior in the workplace during the holy month of Ramadan. The program focused on positive practices and included a section on how to best deal with co-workers who might not be fasting.
“The goal of our program is to help bring peace to our world through understanding and to make our workplaces better and more efficient,” said Feda Shahien, VP, Business Development, Knowledge Horizon.
“Work Ethics in Ramadan” consists of both audio and visual e-learning modules. To make the program more interesting for the users, Knowledge Horizon developed and produced a series of special drama videos inspired by actual behavior at many Middle Eastern workplaces. The program also presented videos in which experts discussed the true spirit of Ramadan. The idea was put forward that performing a job well is part of Islam, a religion that encompasses all aspects of life. For this first year, the program was offered only in Arabic. By next Ramadan the e-learning series will be available in English as well.
“We are proud of the participation and the support of a leading organization such as Alturki,” said Dr. Maen Al-Qatamin, president, Knowledge Horizon. “This support reflects a high level of maturity and commitment to corporate social responsibility. Companies like Alturki set the standard for innovative approaches to the development of their staff and society as a whole.”
Part of the success of Work Ethics in Ramadan () is that the program was developed in a way to make it very easy to view and use. There are just five sections, which are covered in 20-30 minutes each. So the time commitment for the program is low. Shahien advised that unique users of the e-learning program during Ramadan exceeded 100,000 with the majority of users coming from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt and Oman.
“Work continues in Ramadan and a balance is required between work and worship,” said Shahien. “The holy month of Ramadan should be the month where value added services are offered to clients. It should never be the month where our productivity drops or where we lose clients as a result of poor customer service.”
