Toastmasters programs in Saudi Arabia are growing at a faster rate than in many other countries said the first female Toastmasters area governor in the Kingdom. Shaila Koya, Governor of Toastmasters Area 60, Division F, and the only female area governor in the Kingdom, told Saudi Gazette that the nation's corporate sector has begun to recognize the benefits to its employees of better communications and leadership skills provided by Toastmasters training. “Toastmasters is often compared to a university offering training in leadership and communications. Many corporations have begun to emulate Saudi Aramco in utilizing this training for their employees,” she said. Koya, who currently teaches British literature at Dhahran High School, said that Toastmasters has helped her improve her teaching skills and that the Youth Leadership Programs are beneficial for her students as well. Youth Leadership Programs are non academic programs that aim to facilitate the wholesome development of youth by providing training in communications and leadership skills, she explained. Koya said that her Toastmasters Area, Area 60, is holding its maiden contests on Friday at Rezayat Compound Community Hall in Al-Khobar at 1:30 P.M. in which contestants from all four clubs in the Eastern Province will exhibit their skills in International Speech, Evaluation Speech, Humorous Speech and Table Topic Contests as well as a variety of entertainment programs.
