52 POSITIVE IMPACTS In 2015, Kosmos partnered with AMIDEAST on a vocational training initiative in Dakhla. The program was designed to bridge the gap between a university education and the needs of the job market for unemployed youth. While the students participated in computer lessons, accounting and other courses, English lessons were undeniably the most popular parts of the course. Proficiency in English helps young people find jobs in tourism, the fishing industry, and local government. Based on feedback from participants, we have decided to partner again with AMIDEAST to launch English courses in Dakhla and Boujdour starting early in 2017. The courses will target populations that can most benefit from English such as those in the hospitality, fishing and artisanal sectors. INJAZ Al-Maghrib is a non- profit who partners with the private sector to train students in entrepreneurship, based on the Junior Achievement program that has been successful in promoting entrepreneurship in the United States for nearly a century. INJAZ Al-Maghrib organized a series of educational workshops for middle and high school students in Dakhla to learn about entrepreneurship from local business leaders. These workshops culminated in an event in which high school students formed companies and presented their ideas to a jury of local business leaders. The winning team in Western Sahara was led by an all-female trio from Dakhla who created a monopoly-style board game which showcased local tourist attractions. The team was awarded with a trip to Casablanca for the national competition. Promoting local culture Kosmos has promoted Saharawi culture and built a positive reputation in Dakhla by sponsoring cultural festivals. For example, Kosmos was one of the sponsors of the Dakhla Ramadan Festival in 2016, which featured traditional singing and games and was attended by thousands of local people for five consecutive nights. These events were especially popular due to lifestyle changes among the Sahrawi people. Over the last few decades the Saharawis have transitioned from a primarily nomadic lifestyle to an urban one. This has naturally led to cultural changes. Many Sahrawi elders worry that the younger generation is not learning the history of their culture. Our experience has been that the Saharawi people are proud of their rich culture and are eager for organized opportunities to enjoy it. In 2017, we plan to sponsor new educational components to these festivals. Graduates of Kosmos’ English language classes pose with their certificates and the local director of AMIDEAST in Dakhla.