Earlier this year, Shell Development Oman launched the Shell NXplorers Pro pilot programme, in partnership with Sultan Qaboos University. Over September and October, the programme hosted four interactive workshops, uniting 93 students from various departments throughout the University. With this pilot, Shell Development Oman now has all three modules of Shell NXplorers: Junior, Senior and Pro.

Shell, Sultan Qaboos University and Wates Centre for System Thinking teams with students

The workshops introduced students to a new way of thinking and provided them with tools designed to inspire critical thinking and creative problem-solving. The participants were encouraged to apply their ideas to local issues, proposing solutions for reducing water salinity, improving agricultural practices to enhance food security, reducing groundwater contamination and using road construction waste to build sustainable building materials.

Reflecting upon their experience, students described the workshops as ‘lifechanging’, ‘spectacular’ and ‘inspiring’. One participant shared how the programme shifted their view on group work:

“Before this workshop, I did not like teamwork and preferred to work individually. After participating in this workshop, I got to see many different perspectives and realised how important and valuable it is to work in teams to solve problems” – Shell NXplorers Student

Another highlighted how impactful the workshops were on their future:

“The tools I learnt in the workshop will help me with my graduation project. After using these tools, I can actually set up my own business” – Shell NXplorers Student

The participants are now moving forward with fresh perspectives, strengthened teamwork skills and the tools to empower them to become future innovators. They will continue to develop these skills as they work in teams, guided by facilitators, to further develop their solutions and bring them to life.

Students at Sultan Qaboos University applying NXplorers Tools