60 graduates celebrate success in MoSD initiative
MUSCAT: A special ceremony was held to mark the graduation of 60 male and female participants from the second batch of the 'Be with Us for Them' initiative, aimed at rehabilitating people with disabilities. The event was graced by Dr Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, and patron of the ceremony, who highlighted the significant contributions of the private sector, government institutions, and various companies in providing job opportunities for people with disabilities after completing their training.
Dr Laila emphasised that the training programme was instrumental in preparing individuals for their roles in the workforce. By equipping them with valuable experience and skills, the initiative has successfully enabled many to secure positions in the private sector, which has played a key role in their employment and inclusion in the labour market.
The minister further stressed the vital partnership between the government and private sector in empowering people with disabilities, noting the skills and capabilities of these individuals that are now being nurtured through job opportunities.
The programme offered training in several key areas including customer service, office management, document printing and copying, and electronic archiving. In total, 21 male and female participants with various disabilities, including mental, motor, and hearing impairments, underwent training at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate. Another 39 participants, also with mental, motor, and hearing disabilities, received training at the Mohammed Al Barwani Training Institute in Al Athaiba, Muscat Governorate.
The 'Be with Us for Them' initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), and the Specialised Human Development Center, aiming to contribute to Oman Vision 2040. The initiative works to enhance the social responsibility framework by empowering people with disabilities and aligning with national priorities focused on inclusivity and workforce participation. It also aims to create a supportive environment for the sector, promoting the efficient use of resources and partnerships between government bodies, the private sector, and civil society.
The programme is designed to provide advanced social services and programmes that meet community needs while fostering a sense of unity, citizenship, and solidarity. During the ceremony, success stories of graduates who have secured jobs in various sectors were shared, along with a visual presentation, 'Building and Giving,' which showcased the initiative's impact on both the beneficiaries and the employers who have supported the project.
Hatem bin Hamad Al Taie, Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya Press and Publishing Foundation, delivered a presentation on the success of the initiative, revealing that 50 per cent of the graduates - 30 individuals - have been employed, with 9 in the government sector and 21 in private companies. A breakdown of employment locations showed that 22 individuals were employed in Muscat Governorate and 8 in Sohar.
Dina Al Khalili, General Manager of Al Jisr Charitable Foundation, also spoke at the event, affirming that the 'Be with Us for Them' initiative reflects a shared vision of empowering people with disabilities and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society. She emphasised that true empowerment begins with an inclusive environment, which the Foundation has worked to create through its support of the initiative.
Graduate Aisha bint Badr Al Fazari expressed gratitude on behalf of the graduates, acknowledging the support and encouragement they have received since joining the programme. She shared how the initiative had bolstered their self-confidence, improved their skills, and prepared them to confidently enter the job market.
Launched in September 2022, the 'Be with Us for Them' initiative has successfully placed 57 individuals in paid training and job opportunities through the participation of 13 private sector entities. Looking ahead, the programme aims to empower 500 individuals with disabilities by 2027, continuing its mission to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce and society.
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