This feature is part of the second collection of introductory profiles of the "Misk Initiatives Incubator 2022" program, one of Misk Foundation's initiatives that is concerned with launching and supporting non-profit youth organizations, in addition to guiding them towards creating a sustainable societal impact. Today, we will get to know the societal impact of RAM for Technical Apprenticeship, one of the non-profit local organizations, which seeks to raise the technical community's level of awareness and culture within the Kingdom. Its aim is to increase community skills and technical capabilities through launching targeted technical and digital initiatives, to equip them with the latest specialized programs, and to achieve the mission of the organization by creating an advanced technology incubator.
Vision & Mission
RAM's vision is to empower the digital youth community by developing their technical capabilities. It also aims to help direct youth to compatible careers through advisory sessions, specialized programs, and high-impact courses. The organization wants to make sure that the youth keep pace with the rapidly developing technical changes, and to enhance the position and presence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this future sector.
The organization also seeks to attract, invest, and direct the energies of youth, secure job opportunities for them, raise their specialized skills, and work to meet all the market needs related to technical specializations, as well as raise awareness about the field of technology among the younger generations.
Programs & Initiatives
RAM was able to launch a variety of specialized initiatives related to the technological sector, including the "Miran Program," which aims to develop professional skills among computer science and information technology students, by adopting the learning-by-doing methodology within four technical and vital areas, that are currently in high demand within the labor market, namely Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Website Development, and Cyber Security. In terms of guidance and education, the organization was able to set up the "Wasl Program" - which aims to localize knowledge exchange related to technical expertise.
The Impact
RAM achieved its goals and left an impact among members of the local tech community, whose number exceeded 15,000 beneficiaries, by organizing more than 16 activities and events, in which at least 150 volunteers participated by managing and supervising them. RAM is currently working on systematically documenting its programs and experiences as open source resources so that the tech community will be able to benefit from them.
The Audience
The diverse initiatives and programs delivered by RAM target students and graduates of technical disciplines, as they are designed to enhance their practical and applied skills in various fields of technology. The programs are carefully crafted in order to meet the requirements of the labor market and to ensure that they leave a sustainable impact on the community.
Challenges
Perhaps one of the most critical challenges facing the organization is the lack of awareness of it among its target audience. Since it is a non-profit organization, the efforts of its members are currently focused on establishing several partnerships with various stakeholders.
On the other hand, the intense competition among companies in the tech sector has reached a degree that it has become tough to be present in the tech scene without continuous distinction and creativity, which is what RAM seeks to deliver through its programs and services.
One of the most critical factors of the organization's success is its constant communication with its audience through various social media platforms. The organization created “Wamda”, an initiative delivering interactive content that covers news, trends, and challenges related to the tech scene. To strengthen the channels of communication between it and the target audience, RAM uses many practical tools to anticipate the challenges it may face in the future, which allows it to collect and analyze data to develop future insights, including questionnaires, holding periodic meetings, and organizing focus groups.
Misk Foundation is a significant supporter of the organization. It has paved the way for establishing the non-profit organization and its sustainable projects within the tech field.
RAM’s efforts in developing and enhancing the capabilities of the youth in the tech sector deserves praise. Through their initiatives and programs, they aspire to excel as a non-profit organization across the Kingdom and the region and to be able to ensure that the youth are able to adapt to the changing digital world.
Q&A
1. How would you describe the team in a sentence?
A team of ambitious Saudi youth with promising aspirations and visions for the future that can be implemented with effort, persistence, and determination.
2. If your team had a motto or saying, what would it be?
There is no specific motto for our team. Our values are based on several concepts, which include working to enhance and raise competencies, and keep updated of developments in the world of technology. This is RAM.
3. What motivates you to serve the community?
We live, work, and interact within a giving society and a country that is dear to our hearts. Therefore, we must do everything we can for its advancement, by meeting its needs, investing its resources, and improving the efficiency of its youth, so that we bear part of our general responsibility towards our society.
4. What are you proud of in the organization?
Our humble beginning, our journey began without the availability of many basic resources, including financial and in-kind resources and competencies, but thanks to our determination, persistence and ambition - and with the grateful help of volunteers - we were able to leave an impact for a large number of our audience, and within a relatively short period.
5. What impact do you want to achieve for the organization's beneficiaries?
Developing the skills and capabilities of the beneficiaries, and assisting them in determining the options available for their career path, which would pave the way towards a promising future within projects that will ultimately benefit the community and the nation.
6. What does success look like for the organization?
Achieving a sustainable impact. Our mission is based on overcoming difficulties, addressing the challenges facing students and graduates of technical disciplines, and qualifying them to engage in the labor market.
7. What is the project that your team dreams of achieving?
RAM is our dream that came to life and embodied our values. By enhancing competencies and developing expertise to define the different tech career paths available to the youth.
8. What defines your team?
Future vision and unlimited ambition, our ability to overcome difficulties based on joint efforts and mutual trust. In addition to our ingenuity in measuring and anticipating the needs of the target segment, and optimally harnessing our capabilities to achieve our goals.
9. What advice would you give to Saudi youth?
You can achieve your dreams and ambitions whenever you want when you have determination; all you have to do is take the first step and to be precise. Have enough confidence and craft the way of your future by yourself.
10. What are the most unique characteristics of Saudi youth?
With the spirit of giving, persistence and great ambition, nothing will deter us from reaching the summit and achieving excellence, God willing.
To contact the organization
Social media accounts
https://www.instagram.com/ram_npo/
To register and learn more about Misk Initiatives Incubator
https://hub.misk.org.sa/ar/programs/community/misk-initiatives-incubator/
