Booklet launched on child safety awareness at Muscat book fair
Muscat – Children First Association launched an awareness booklet, I am Aware , on Monday during the 29th Muscat International Book Fair as part of its continuing efforts to advocate child safety and rights.
The launch was held under the patronage of H H Sayyida Dr Mona Fahad Mahmood al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University and Chairperson of the association.
Speaking at the event, H H Sayyida Mona said the association is committed to safeguarding children from all forms of abuse and violence. 'This booklet reflects our continued efforts to educate children and their caregivers through development projects, activities and informative publications,' she said.
Designed with child-friendly illustrations, the booklet seeks to raise awareness about harassment and empower children with accessible knowledge.
Explaining the core message of the publication, Amal Khalifa al Shamakhiya, a certified human rights trainer from United Nations Training and Documentation Centre and the booklet's author, said, 'The idea behind I am Aware is rooted in the belief that child abuse leaves lasting psychological scars and that silence only deepens the pain.'
She added, 'This booklet adopts a simplified, interactive format to teach children about their rights and bodily autonomy, and guides them on what to do if they experience inappropriate behaviour.'
Interactive features such as colouring activities and multiple-choice questions have been included to reinforce key concepts. The booklet also offers guidance for parents, educators and caregivers, encouraging open conversations with children about personal safety and boundaries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Over 51,000 students register for higher education programmes
Muscat – A total of 51,027 students have registered for the 2025/2026 academic year through the Unified Admissions Centre of Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, marking completion of the first phase of the admissions process. According to the ministry, the figure includes 25,706 male and 25,321 female students. The applications are for a wide range of opportunities, including government higher education institutions, internal and private sector scholarships, as well as scholarships and grants from abroad. The next phase – the Modify Your Choices window – is set to begin following announcement of the General Education Diploma results in July. During this period, students can review and rearrange their academic choices based on their final grades in consultation with their families. To assist students in making informed decisions, the centre will release the results of a pilot screening in the first week of July. This preliminary screening will be based on first-semester performance and current programme preferences. Describing the Modify Your Choices phase as a cornerstone of the admission process, Unified Admissions Centre noted that registration at this stage is considered final for participation in the first round of screening. This will be followed by interviews, admission tests and medical examination, depending on programme requirements. A new procedure introduced this year includes a separate registration mechanism for private-funded study programmes at Sultan Qaboos University and for specialisation programmes at private universities. A dedicated guide for these programmes will be issued and registration will open once the first round of screening is complete allowing students to prioritise government-funded options first.
Observer
06-05-2025
- Observer
A pioneering booklet designed to educate children about their rights
In a world increasingly focused on safeguarding children's rights and well-being, Oman's latest initiative exemplifies how national efforts align with global trends to create safer, more informed environments for children. On 30 April, the Children First Association—the Sultanate's leading child advocacy organisation—unveiled its newest educational resource, 'I Am Aware', a pioneering booklet designed to educate children about their rights, personal safety, and how to recognise and respond to abuse. The launch, overseen by Her Highness Dr. Mona bint Fahd Al Said, Chair of the Children First Association, signals a significant leap forward in Oman's ongoing commitment to child protection. The initiative reflects a broader realisation, mirrored in many countries worldwide, that children's rights require proactive, multifaceted approaches rooted in education, awareness, and community involvement. A Growing Global Recognition of Children's Rights Globally, the focus on child protection has been intensifying over recent decades. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989, remains the cornerstone of international efforts to define and promote children's rights. Countries across continents have committed to ensuring children grow up in environments free from violence, exploitation, and neglect. However, translating these commitments into meaningful local action remains an ongoing challenge. In many parts of the world, children continue to face threats from abuse, trafficking, forced labour, and gender-based violence. Recognising that the knowledge gap often leaves children vulnerable, national governments and NGOs have increasingly adopted educational strategies to empower young people to understand their rights and safety measures. Oman's 'I Am Aware' booklet exemplifies this approach, aligning national efforts with a global movement that values education as a primary tool for protection. It echoes international best practices, such as UNICEF's emphasis on child-friendly materials and interactive learning tools to promote awareness and resilience among children. Innovative Approach in Oman's Child Protection Strategies Developed by Amal bint Khalifa Al-Shamakhiyah, a certified human rights trainer associated with the UN Training and Documentation Centre, 'I Am Aware' introduces an innovative and culturally sensitive approach to child protection. Amal's extensive background in children's rights in Oman has shaped a resource that is both educational and engaging, particularly in addressing sensitive issues like harassment and personal safety. The booklet is designed with colourful illustrations, quizzes, and activities—aimed at making complex topics like personal boundaries accessible to young minds. It encourages open dialogue with parents, teachers, and caregivers, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces where children can voice concerns without fear or shame. This initiative mirrors similar efforts worldwide where organisations are scaling up educational materials tailored for young audiences. For example, in South Africa, projects like 'Talking about Abuse' equip children with age-appropriate information, while in Canada, school-based programmes incorporate interactive modules to teach children about consent and boundaries. The Children First Association views 'I Am Aware' as more than a publication; it is part of a larger movement to foster a culture of awareness, respect, and protection throughout Oman. The organisation invites families, schools, and communities to use the booklet as a resource for building a safer future for every child. Towards a Culture of Awareness and Prevention The broader significance of such initiatives lies in fostering a culture that recognises children's agency and rights. By equipping children with knowledge, Oman is aligning with global trends advocating for comprehensive, rights-based approaches to child safety. Such strategies aim not only to prevent abuse but also to empower children to respond confidently if faced with uncomfortable or dangerous situations. Oman's leadership in this area highlights its commitment to international standards while tailoring solutions to its cultural context. Such efforts are increasingly recognised on the global stage; fostered by partnerships with the UN and other international bodies, Oman's initiatives serve as models for the region. Oman's launch of 'I Am Aware' exemplifies a proactive, culturally sensitive approach to nurturing a global culture of respect, awareness, and safety for children. It underscores the importance of education as a friend rather than a foe in the fight against abuse and exploitation. As nations worldwide strive to meet international standards and uphold their commitments under the UNCRC, Oman's example offers valuable lessons: that safeguarding childhood requires shared vision, concerted action, and innovative solutions.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Observer
CEO TALK: From hands-on work to high office
MUSCAT, MAY 4 In the southern city of Salalah, long before titles and accolades, a young boy sat behind the counter of his father's shop, textbooks open, mind focused, and hands occasionally fixing bicycles. That boy — now Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality — would rise to become one of Oman's most respected public servants. His journey, grounded in discipline and shaped by learning, is more than a success story — it is a case study in leadership, perseverance, and national vision. From an early age, Dr Al Ghassani learned the realities of responsibility. By the fourth grade, he was working after school in his family's shop — a small but formative environment. There, he developed the habits that would stay with him for life: structure, reliability, and respect for effort. By the sixth grade, he was assembling bicycles, not as a pastime but out of necessity. His evenings were devoted to studies at the shop, often until 9 pm, forming a routine of resilience that quietly defined his future. His secondary education years were a masterclass in commitment. His day began with regular school and continued with intensive sessions at the British Council and the French Institute. After dusk, he attended Quran memorisation classes until 10 pm. This intense schedule led many around him to assume he would eventually collapse from exhaustion — but instead, he rose. In his final year, he made the strategic decision to pause language studies and focus entirely on the General Secondary Certificate, securing a place on the prestigious Sultan Qaboos Scholarship Programme to study civil engineering abroad. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University in 1993. However, academic achievement was never his endpoint — it was his platform. In 1998, he left for the UK to pursue advanced studies. He obtained a Master's degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1999. Determined to deepen his expertise, he continued to Loughborough University, earning a PhD in Construction Management in 2003. His doctoral research focused on the integration of knowledge management into structural design processes — a pioneering approach for its time. Returning to Oman, Dr Al Ghassani chose not to enter administrative roles immediately. He instead resumed teaching in the department he helped establish at Salalah Technical College. His belief in the power of education led him to stay close to students, listen to their challenges, and shape an academic culture rooted in openness and inclusion. Over time, he would serve in various senior academic positions, including Dean of the Higher College of Technology, and later at the College of Banking and Financial Studies, where he aligned academic offerings with real-world market needs, championed student innovation, and ensured graduates were job-ready. In 2018, Dr Al Ghassani was appointed CEO of the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Riyada). It was a pivotal period — Oman was seeking new engines for economic diversification, and youth entrepreneurship was a central pillar. At Riyada, he led with clarity and decisiveness: reworking the institutional structure, introducing targeted funding and support mechanisms, and fostering a startup ecosystem driven by Omani talent. His leadership reasserted a simple truth: a single idea, when nurtured, can evolve into a national asset. In October 2019, Dr Al Ghassani was appointed Chairman of Dhofar Municipality. The transition from academic reformer to urban executive was significant, yet seamless. In Dhofar — a region of rich culture and growing infrastructure needs — he faced the challenge of balancing development with preservation. He led projects that included the revitalisation of traditional markets, the redevelopment of coastal promenades, modern flood prevention infrastructure, and enhanced wastewater systems. His administration adopted a development model that was as strategic as it was sensitive — combining modern urban planning with cultural and environmental stewardship. His leadership came into national focus in 2024, when he achieved three major distinctions: • Best Leader in Government Digital Excellence — a title awarded in the inaugural edition of Oman's national digital performance awards. • Best Digital Transformation Team — won by Dhofar Municipality under his chairmanship, recognising the integration of digital tools in public service delivery. • 'Excellent' Rating in Institutional Performance Evaluation — the highest recognition in the national governance review for that year. Yet Dr Al-Ghassani is quick to redirect praise. 'These are not individual achievements,' he often says. 'They reflect teamwork, accountability, and a shared culture of results.' Across all his roles, four core values stand out in his leadership approach:1. A relentless commitment to lifelong learning — both personal and institutional. 2. Community engagement — ensuring planning is informed by those it serves. 3. Cultural realism — blending progress with respect for heritage. 4. Results-focused governance — where policies are measured not by announcements but by public impact. Perhaps most importantly, Dr Al Ghassani has never lost sight of the next generation. In speeches and interviews, he consistently addresses young Omanis with conviction: 'Opportunities do not come by accident. They are built through intention and hard work. Every young person must believe that the country is counting on them. The future begins the moment you choose to develop yourself.' His story — from the back room of a shop to the forefront of urban transformation — is not defined by luck or shortcuts. It is a testament to structure, vision, and commitment over time. In an era that often favours visibility over value, Dr Ahmed Al-Ghassani's life is a reminder that leadership is not found in noise, but in quiet, consistent service. For young Omanis, his path is both a mirror and a map: a reflection of what is possible — and a direction toward what can still be achieved.
