Students with Disabilities Get a Taste of the Retail World

13 Aug 2017

"Thank you, Alshaya, for the amazing opportunity! Please don't stop supporting us!" With these words, 22 Kuwaiti students with disabilities this week celebrated the completion of successful internship programmes with retail franchise operator M.H. Alshaya Co. and its brands.

Now in its eighth year, the internship is a collaboration between Alshaya and Kuwait's Society for the Guardians of the Disabled (KSGD) that helps students with disabilities to gain the required skills and confidence to operate in a work environment.

Andrew Stott Regional Learning and Development Manager said "This year's students have made an incredible contribution serving our customers and understanding what it means to 'Be Alshaya'. We look forward to welcoming them back as customers and potential team members."

For over four weeks, the students worked part-time and received supervised retail training at several branches of Starbucks, Debenhams and Mothercare.

At a closing ceremony at The Avenues this week, certificates were presented by KSGD Chairwoman Rehab Boresili; the Honorary Chairperson of the Kuwait Sport Club for the Physically Disabled, Sheikha Sheikha Al-Sabah; the General Manager of the Public Authority of the Disabled, Dr Shafeka Al-Awadhi; in addition to representatives from Alshaya.

"This internship programme has helped our students gain a different perspective to their futures and careers," said Mrs. Huda Alkhaledi, General Supervisor at KSGD. "We're deeply grateful for Alshaya's continued support."

Alshaya's partnership with the KSGD internship programme began in 2010, initially offering candidates part-time work experience in Starbucks branches across the country. Alshaya's partnership with KSGD is part of its wider commitment to the community to develop the skills and talents of young Kuwaitis and providing them with an equal chance to learn and develop.

For more information about future summer programmes and other training and career opportunities at Alshaya, please contact nationalisation@alshaya.com.