Starbucks, Debenhams, and Mothercare Congratulate Students from K.S.G.D. as they successfully complete Alshaya's 2013 Summer Internship Programme

01 Jul 2013

M.H. Alshaya Co. is delighted to announce the completion of its 2013 summer internship programme for Kuwaiti students with disabilities in partnership with Kuwait's Society for the Guardians of the Disabled (K.S.G.D). In total, eleven students have completed the internship, which saw them work within Starbucks, Debenhams and Mothercare stores for four weeks, this June. The programme, now in its fifth year, gives students with disabilities a chance to familiarise themselves with the work environment and gain some valuable life experience.

The majority of the participants were taking part for a second year, having benefited from their experience in 2012 and store staff at Starbucks, Debenhams and Mothercare were pleased to welcome back friends from last year. The summer programme follows on from a similarly successful internship for KSGD students which ran this spring.

The successful summer internship course concluded with a recognition ceremony held at the IHOP restaurant at The Mall, The Avenues which celebrated the interns' accomplishments during their work experience. During the ceremony, which was held in the presence of their families, certificates were presented to the graduates for their achievements by Chairwoman of the KSGD Rehab Boresli; Vice President of KSGD, Hana'a Al-Sane; and Alshaya's Area HR Manager, Mohammed Buhaimed.

Commenting about this year's programme with KSGD, Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co. said: "We are proud to congratulate this year's programme graduates from KSGD and celebrate their achievements. It brings us great honour to welcome back these young individuals for a second year and give them opportunities to improve their skills, build their confidence in the community and help them achieve their future aspirations."

Alshaya's partnership with the KSGD internship programme began in 2010, initially offering candidates part-time work experience in Starbucks branches across the country. Now, covering three brands operated by Alshaya, interns receive supervised training in retail sales in several branches of Starbucks, Mothercare, and Debenhams.

Alshaya's partnership with KSGD is part of its wider commitment to developing the skills and talents of young Kuwaitis, providing them with an equal chance to learn and develop. The company is also preparing to run its annual summer internship programme with the MGRP, which last year saw Alshaya give work and skills development opportunities to 300 young students. Participating students are offered part-time sales positions for four weeks during their summer vacation where they receive valuable hands-on experience in retailing.

For additional information on any of Alshaya's internship programmes please contact the Human Resources Nationalisation Team at: nationalisation@alshaya.com.