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Observer
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Puppet theatre initiative to promote sustainable development in childhood
Muscat: The first phase of the Mobile Puppet Theatre Project was launched to promote sustainable development concepts in early childhood. The event was held under the auspices of Majid bin Said al Bahri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Administrative and Financial Affairs. The initiative was launched by the Ministry of Education, represented by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the Omani Qatari Telecommunications Company (Ooredoo). The first phase targeted children aged three to six years in twenty schools in Muscat. It aimed to instil sustainable development concepts in early childhood through live, interactive, educational and entertaining theatrical performances using puppets. These performances covered various areas such as preserving natural resources, eradicating poverty, promoting health and education. The initiative also aimed to introduce young people to the art of puppet theatre and to benefit from the educational content provided through stories and theatrical performances. Additionally, the initiative was unique in its ability to move between different schools, as the puppets were designed in Omani school uniforms. Dr Mahmoud bin Abdullah al Abri, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, emphasised that the Sultanate of Oman was among the first countries to submit its country initiative on education for sustainable development to Unesco. This initiative served as a national roadmap based on five main axes: policies, the educational environment, teachers, youth and the local community. The first phase targeted children aged three to six years in twenty schools in Muscat. The Ministry of Education, represented by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, continued its efforts in this area by implementing numerous training workshops, seminars and awareness-raising projects in cooperation with regional and international partners. One notable effort was the preparation of a guide to promote sustainable development concepts in the school environment, in cooperation with the Unesco Regional Office in Doha. "The puppet theatre consists of 20 portable theatres that can be easily carried between schools and within schools. It includes four puppets and a collection of stories. In its first phase, it covers five Sustainable Development Goals related to education, eradicating hunger and poverty, health and gender equality," said Khalid al Maawali, Assistant Director of the Education Sector at the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. Khawla al Amri, Chief People Officer at Ooredoo, said, "Although the entire world is paying great attention to digitisation and modern technologies, studies have warned of the dangers of children's exposure to screens and digital devices in their early years. However, it remains essential to develop their sensory, visual auditory, and motor skills to nurture their curiosity and enhance communication skills from their early formative years, limit their use of devices and provide them with more life skills."
Observer
20-05-2025
- General
- Observer
Oman to Join world in celebrating day for cultural diversity
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman will join nations worldwide on Wednesday in celebrating the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, observed annually on May 21. The occasion aims to highlight the richness of global cultures and emphasise the vital role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and sustainable development. Marking the event, the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in collaboration with the working team of the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) in Oman and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), will organise a workshop on May 27-28. The session will focus on mechanisms for preparing cultural projects to secure support from the IFCD. Cultural diversity, as defined by the Unesco Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005), refers to "the manifold ways in which the cultures of groups and societies find expression, passed on within and among groups and communities." Oman joined the convention in 2007, which seeks to promote diverse forms of cultural expression, create conditions for cultures to flourish and interact, encourage intercultural dialogue, strengthen cultural exchange among peoples and foster respect for cultural diversity at local and global levels. In this context, Oman formed a working team for the IFCD, comprising members from various cultural institutions. The team is tasked with identifying and analysing cultural diversity initiatives, establishing a unified framework for related projects and programmes, reviewing and approving proposals for IFCD funding; and preparing reports on the implementation of the Unesco convention. This year's celebration coincides with Unesco's commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the convention's adoption in 2005. The event seeks to raise awareness of the convention's key achievements and engage policymakers in addressing challenges and opportunities to safeguard and promote cultural diversity. — ONA
Observer
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Preserving heritage: Oman's roads, landmarks honour its legacy
MUSCAT: The tradition of naming Omani roads and landmarks after historical figures reflects the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in safeguarding the nation's rich heritage while reinforcing national identity and values. Throughout the ages, Oman has maintained deep historical roots, with a legacy stretching back thousands of years. Omanis have played a vital role in shaping various fields and the country's human and intellectual contributions remain integral to its identity, strengthened by its strategic geographic position and cultural exchanges with global civilisations. To honour this legacy, Royal directives have led to the naming of major roads after prominent Omani Sultans. These names serve as more than just traffic markers — they are enduring symbols of the country's historical and cultural depth. Among the notable designations: Sultan Thuwaini bin Said Road links the governorates of Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, and Al Buraimi. Sultan Turki bin Said Road is now the official name of the Sharqiyah Expressway. Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road connects Khasab, Lima and Dibba in the Musandam Governorate. Sultan Taimur bin Faisal Road runs along the Al Batinah Coastal region. Sultan Said bin Taimur Road links Nizwa to Salalah. Sultan Qaboos Road serves as the main route between Muscat and Al Batinah. Preserving heritage: Oman's roads, landmarks honour its legacy These roads join a long list of educational institutions, military bases, schools, mosques and scientific halls that bear the names of Omani leaders — each a tribute to their contributions. Dr Mahmoud bin Abdullah al Abri, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, emphasised the significance of these names. 'These are not merely traffic signs but bridges connecting future generations to Oman's storied past, reinforcing national identity and belonging,' he said. Naming roads after Omani Sultans serves as a historical reminder of their role in shaping the nation. For centuries, Oman has been a hub of cultural and commercial exchange, emerging as a maritime and intellectual powerhouse. The presence of these names on the landscape ensures that their influence is never forgotten. This initiative also fosters historical awareness among younger generations, encouraging them to explore the lives of leaders who spearheaded Oman's Renaissance. By embedding history into Oman's architectural and cultural fabric, the initiative strengthens the link between heritage and sustainable development. Dr Mohammed bin Saeed al Muqaddam, a researcher in Omani history, noted that this tradition extends beyond roads. 'Many schools across Oman are named after prominent Sultans and Imams, such as Turki bin Said School, Nasser bin Murshid School and Ahmed bin Said School, among others,' he explained. Similarly, mosques like Al Muhallab bin Abi Sufra Mosque, Al Midmar Mosque, and Sultan Said bin Taimur Mosque bear historical significance. More than just a commemoration, this initiative serves as an open invitation to learn from Oman's past, fostering pride and appreciation for its cultural legacy. By preserving the national memory, Oman ensures that future generations remain connected to the leaders who shaped its history.
