Offscreen Expedition 2007

The logos below link to the companies and institutions which made this project possible.

British Council (Middle East)
The British Council are Offscreen’s regional partners in the Middle East, offering logistical support for the expedition. They are also funding part of a resource pack for teachers to be distributed to UK schools in September 2007. “The Offscreen Education Programme is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the diversity of cultures within the Middle East, and to create lasting links between the countries and schools involved” commented Rob Lynes, Regional Director Middle East, British Council. A special thanks to Rob, Jamal, Steve, Jim, Tarek, Raiya, Rasha, Sheethal and Amy for all their efforts.

Emirates Airline (UAE)
Emirates are Offscreen’s official airline. They have supported the expedition with complimentary flights. A special thank you to Laura and Radhika in Dubai for all her efforts. Since its launch in 1985, Emirates Airline has received more than 300 international awards in recognition of its efforts to provide unsurpassed levels of customer service. Emirates is the world’s third most profitable and among the 20 largest international airlines and one of the fastest-growing. It is based in Dubai, one of the few cities in the world that pursues an open-skies policy, with more than 110 airlines in free and fair competition.

J A Clark Charitable Trust (UK)
The J A Clark Charitable Trust have been supporting the Offscreen Education Programme from its inception. Without their belief and commitment to Offscreen’s work, this expedition would not have been possible. The JAC Trust have funded the design and construction of this website. A special thanks to Rachel, G, Tom, Lance, William and all at JAC for all their efforts.

National Society for Education in Art and Design (UK)
The NSEAD is the leading national authority concerned with art, craft and design across all phases of education in the United Kingdom. The NSEAD have supported Offscreen since its inception. They distributed posters promoting this project to 2100 art teachers across the country as well as providing valuable advice and guidance along the way. A special thanks to John and David for practical and moral support.

Oman Ministry of Education (Oman)
The Oman Ministry of Education have organised for Omani students from two local schools to collaborate with the Offscreen expedition. Students from Nusibah bint Kaab School and Ibn Anafees School for General Education will be working with the UK students on Day 5 (in Muscat’s Grand Mosque) and Day 11 (to produce two murals for the British Council offices in Muscat) of the expedition. A special thanks to Dr Sana and Eman for all their efforts.

Muscat Insurance Services (Oman)
Muscat Insurance Services have generously sponsored one of our students from Forest Gate Community School to take part in this expedition. A special thanks to Virginia and Allan in Muscat for all his efforts.

Canvas Magazine (UAE)
Canvas is a bi-monthly magazine offering the very best in art and culture from the Middle East and Arab world. Canvas are hosting the Offscreen Team on Day 4 of the expedition with a tour of the National Bank of Dubai’s Pearl Museum followed by a traditional Arabic dinner. Many thanks to Ali, Lisa and Anna for their support.

Saud Bahwan Group (Oman)
SB Group in Oman have provided Toyota Landcruisers for the expedition’s journey along the Arabian Sea and into Oman’s interior. A special thanks to Saud, Ashok, David and Habib for all their efforts. “I am pleased to hear that a pioneering expedition is being planned to showcase the diverse beauty of the Sultanate of Oman to a group of London students” commented SB Group’s Chairman, “Such expeditions do play an important role in facilitating greater understanding, dialogue and friendships between the people of Oman and UK.”

Altajir Trust (UK)
The Altajir Trust has provided funding towards the core costs of the expedition. A special thanks to Alan for all his efforts.

Amigos Balloons (UAE)
Amigos are sponsoring a balloon ride over the desert of the UAE on Day 3 of the expedition. Special thanks for Tariq and Glyne for this wonderful opportunity. Amigos Balloons is the first balloon company in the region to hold an Air Operator Certificate.

London City Airport (UK)
London City Airport has generously sponsored one of our students from Plashet School to take part in this expedition. A special thanks to Richard and Angeline for all their efforts.

Applied Satellite Technologies (UK)
AST have generously supported the expedition by donating a satellite modem and satellite phone, meaning that we have broadband internet access from wherever we are. A special thanks to Ryan and the team at AST for their technical assistance along the way.

Festival of Muslim Cultures (UK)
The Festival has supported Offscreen since its inception by promoting our projects and linking us with schools and like-minded organisations. “The Festival is delighted to be supporting a venture which will take nine British students to the Middle East” commented Festival Director, Isabel Carlisle. A very special thank you to Isabel and George for their consistent support and good faith.

Desert Discovery (Oman)
Desert Discovery, one of the most comprehensive and experienced tour operators in Oman, is coordinating Offscreen’s expedition in Oman. They are providing drivers, guides, accommodation and logistics for our journey along the Arabian Sea to Ras Al Jins, into the Wahiba Sands to stay at the Al Areesh Desert Camp and then back to Muscat via Sinaw and Nizwa. A special thanks to Said, Reinhold and Hamoud for their considerable efforts.

iNOMAD (UK)
iNOMAD has provided technical and media assistance. “The Offscreen Expedition represents a great step forward in uniting the worlds of education, exploration, art and technology and is to be applauded,” commented iNOMAD’s director.

The Anglo-Omani Society (UK)
The Anglo-Omani Society is supporting the expedition’s core expedition costs in Oman. The Society’s Honorary Secretary, Richard Owens commented, “The Committee felt that this initiative is a very worthwhile project and we all wish you every success.” The Anglo-Omani Society was formed in January 1976. H.M. The Sultan of Oman is the Society’s patron, and the President is H.E. the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman in London. H.M.

XVA Gallery (UAE)
The XVA, one of Dubai’s leading contemporary art galleries, is hosting the Offscreen team while in the UAE. They have provided accommodation and a much needed base on their fantastic racing Dhow, moored on the edge of old Dubai’s Bastikiya’s area. They are also hosting an art and music workshop on Day 4 of the expedition. A special thanks to Mona, Mike and Aliya for their support.

Wilderness Expertise (UK)
Wilderness Expertise have provided the expedition with full back-up from the UK. A special thanks to Richard for all his efforts. Wilderness Expertise (WE) is a specialist company running overseas expeditions for young people focusing on personal development. WE believe that small is beautiful.

British Business Forum (Oman)
The BBF have helped promote the Offscreen project among Oman’s business community, encouraging vital sponsorship without which we would have nowhere to stay and no transport. A very special thanks to Maggie for outstanding support. The British Business Forum (BBF Oman) was established to promote trade between the United Kingdom and Oman.

The British Ambassador (Oman)
“I do believe that this is a worthwhile venture, not only for the British Students and schools back in the UK, but for Oman as well, given the exposure that Oman will be given in schools throughout the UK.” Dr Noel Guckian, British Ambassador, Oman

Greater London Authority (UK)
The GLA’s Children & Young People’s Unit will be working with Offscreen to host a celebratory event (March 2007) and exhibition (June 2007) at City Hall. These events will showcase the students film, photography and artwork made during the expedition. A special thank you to John Biggs (Assembly Member for City and East London) and Nina for their support. Also thanks to Safia, Chris and Rebecca for their efforts.

Kingston University (UK)
“It is my pleasure to endorse the work of Reagan Panzu with the Offscreen Education Programme. Reagan is a second year student at Kingston University’s Music Department within the School of Performance and Screen Studies. Reagan’s involvement in the programme is a testament to his skills and commitment, both as a scholar and as an artist, and he engages in the Offscreen Education Programme with my full support.” Dr. David Osbon, Principal Lecturer and Head of Collegiate Music, Kingston University

Camberford Law plc (UK)
Camberford Law has generously provided insurance for the Offscreen Education Programme. A special thanks to Tom for all his work.

Nawras (Oman)
Nawras, the Sultanate of Oman’s customer-friendly communications provider, is proud to support the Offscreen Student Expedition with the technology to ‘Get closer’ to their audience across the world. With Nawras Internet and voice connections, the expedition will inspire many others as the images are shared.
We wish all the participants a successful and enjoyable journey of a lifetime, as they experience the mesmerising artistic and cultrual attractions of Oman, backed-up by Nawras communications.

Hamptons International (Oman)
Hamptons have supported Offscreen with the use of an amazing Villa in Muscat. The villa is being knocked down so we are allowed to paint on the walls … which generates much excitement among the students. A special thanks to HRH Esad al Said and Janet for putting an amazing roof over our heads.

Royal Geographical Society with IBG (UK)
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) has provided support to the Digital Explorer concept since the initial Innovative Geography Teaching Award for the first expedition in Morocco in March 2006. Since then the Geography Outdoors Team have provided advice and support on all aspects youth expeditions. A special thanks to Shane for moral support and practical advice.

Jack Petchey Foundation
The Jack Petchey Foundation, established in 1999, gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11 - 25. The Foundation is eager to help young people take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society. The Foundation provided funding towards art materials and core expedition kit for seven East London students taking part in the project. A special thanks to Stephen for all his efforts.

 
 

 
 

 
 

Within and alongside these organisations, are a number of individuals who have gone out of their way to help with everything from fundraising to keeping the faith when the odds were against us. Offscreen are humbled by your support and would like to say a special thank you to:

In Muscat:

Virginia & Latifah (for hosting, encouraging and believing), Maggie J (for so much effort), Patricia G (for spreading the word), Steve, Franci and Chuck F (our favourite family with an eye for the rocks), Susan and everyone at Bait Muzna, all at the BC, Said & Reinhold at DD (for the best itinerary) and Habib and Hamoud for a great recce.

In Dubai:

Dergham (we miss you), Meg, Phil, Kat and Bruno (for being great hosts), John C at RSB (a real star), Isabel at LSG, Ali and Lisa at Canvas, Yasser and Khalil at DCC, Mona at XVA, all at the BC and Laura at Emirates.

In UK:

Marjan & Raheel (for everything), John, Ciara, Chris and Rick (for a virtual miracle), Anu (for outstanding editing), Photini, Ashia and Mrs Bashir at Plashet, Stephen and Sarah at Forest Gate, Jamie T, Max and Maggie at Dagenham Park, Francesca at Crown Woods, Ruairidh (friend of Offscreen), Norah & Fatima, G, R & T at JAC, Venetia & Nick B at the BM and Noreen (for smiles) at the ABC.