Al-Watani Organizes Specialized Guidance Session for Participants in the "Kan" Program

As part of its ongoing support for the “Kan” social entrepreneurship program, organized by the Loyak Foundation, NBK Bank hosted a specialized mentoring session aimed at empowering participants to develop their social and environmental ideas and projects by leveraging the bank’s staff expertise and professional experiences.

The session provided participants with practical guidance and professional insights, helping them refine their entrepreneurial concepts and transform them into more mature, actionable initiatives. Within an interactive environment, attendees had the opportunity to present their ideas, discuss them, and receive direct feedback from experts. The session also focused on transferring knowledge to students regarding corporate operations, planning, and idea development, while offering a range of practical advice.

“Kan” is one of the leading social entrepreneurship programs targeting youth, and this year marks its 11th edition. The program aims to empower the new generation of change-makers by equipping them with an entrepreneurial mindset and the practical skills necessary to create sustainable social and environmental impact. It fosters innovative thinking and assists participants in converting their ideas into viable initiatives and projects that benefit society.

Developed in collaboration with Babson College in Boston, ranked first globally for entrepreneurship education, the program provides participants with a world-class educational experience that combines best academic practices with practical application. Youth engage in interactive workshops, training activities, and hands-on experiences, alongside mentoring and guidance from experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders across various fields.

The program also enhances participants’ capabilities in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, boosting their self-confidence and ability to work in diverse teams to develop real-world projects that serve the community. It further offers them the chance to hone their skills in professionally presenting ideas and initiatives, preparing them to effectively address various challenges and create a positive impact in their communities.

NBK Bank’s support for the “Kan” program aligns with its long-standing strategic partnership with the Loyak Foundation, which has resulted in the launch and support of numerous youth-focused initiatives and programs over the years. This partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to empowering younger generations and providing an inspiring environment that helps them develop their leadership and entrepreneurial skills, thereby contributing to preparing a generation capable of actively participating in societal development and facing future challenges.

Commenting on the occasion, Mohammed Al-Habashi, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Events at NBK Bank, said: “The ‘Kan’ program represents a distinguished platform for inspiring youth and developing their entrepreneurial capabilities. We believe that investing in young talent is an investment in the future of society, and providing them with knowledge and practical experience empowers them to lead positive change and create innovative solutions to societal challenges.”

Al-Habashi added: “We consistently strive to provide practical support to participants by sharing professional expertise and knowledge, helping young people develop their ideas and transform them into projects and initiatives with sustainable social and environmental impact. This initiative also embodies the culture of volunteering and giving that the bank is keen to instill among its staff.”

He emphasized that youth empowerment is a core pillar of the bank’s corporate social responsibility strategy, noting NBK’s commitment to supporting initiatives and programs that enhance youth skills and refine their leadership and innovative capabilities, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

These initiatives reflect NBK Bank’s vision, which underscores the importance of investing in human capital as an investment in future leaders. They also demonstrate the bank’s firm commitment to empowering Kuwaiti youth, helping them achieve their goals and aspirations, and supporting the next generation’s ambitions to become a dynamic and effective workforce in the future.

Participants in the “Kan” program praised the experience provided, affirming that the training activities and mentoring sessions helped develop their personal and entrepreneurial skills, boosted their confidence in their abilities, and allowed them to benefit from experts’ experiences and exchange ideas and insights with fellow participants.

Student Talia Al-Sharrah said: “The ‘Kan’ program helped develop my confidence in my abilities and enhanced my communication and teamwork skills. It also gave me the opportunity to benefit from diverse ideas and experiences that enriched my way of thinking and helped me view challenges from different perspectives, thereby strengthening my ability to innovate more effective and impactful solutions.”

For her part, student Al-Jawhara Al-Hushash said: “One of the most significant skills I gained during my participation in the program is the ability to transform ideas into actionable projects with tangible impact. The program also helped us adopt a broader perspective on societal challenges, viewing them as opportunities for innovation and finding solutions that contribute to positive and sustainable change in society.”

Student Faisal Al-Duwish affirmed that one of the key features of the “Kan” program is bringing together youth who share a passion for creating positive change. He noted that the program allowed them to exchange ideas and experiences and build valuable relationships and friendships that will continue even after the program ends.

He added: “The sessions provided us with the opportunity to learn from inspiring professional experiences and benefit from practical advice in areas such as leadership and planning. This gave me greater motivation to continue developing my idea, enhancing my entrepreneurial skills, and better preparing to transform it into an actionable project.”

For his part, student Munaf Al-Mulla said: “My parents encouraged me to join the ‘Kan’ program due to its distinguished reputation in developing youth skills. After participating, I realized the true value of this experience, which contributed to developing my personal capabilities and enhancing my awareness of the importance of making a positive contribution to society. Therefore, I encourage parents to support and motivate their children to participate in such programs, which allow them to acquire valuable skills and experiences for the future.”