18-05-2025
Prospects for rehab and empowerment of children
Muscat, May 18
As part of the nation's ongoing efforts to promote children's rights and empower children with disabilities, Children First Association is preparing to launch the second edition of the Oman Childhood Conference and Exhibition, scheduled to take place from October 14 to 16 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme: 'Prospects for Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Children with Disabilities in the Era of Emerging Technologies.'
HH Sayyidah Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation at SQU and Chairperson of the Association, affirmed that this year's edition builds on the success of the first edition, which focused on talented children. She noted that the association is opening a new chapter this year to support children with disabilities, exploring ways to empower them through the latest innovations and technologies that offer them greater opportunities for inclusion, independence and achieving their aspirations.
She emphasised that the conference serves as a platform that brings together all stakeholders concerned with childhood affairs. The first edition witnessed the participation of more than 50 local and international institutions from various public and private sectors. She highlighted that the event seeks to strengthen institutional and community cooperation to build an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities for all children to grow and contribute to national development.
Khalid al Matroushi, a member of the association, explained that the conference will address the challenges faced by children with disabilities, while also showcasing initiatives and the latest supporting technologies aimed at empowering them. He also mentioned that the conference will include specialised workshops for children, their families, and professionals in education, health and social services, in addition to displaying the latest technological innovations in the field.
Running alongside the conference is a comprehensive exhibition, the first of its kind in Oman, bringing together under one roof institutions, companies, and centres specialising in childhood affairs, along with stores, medical and educational centres, and psychological and educational consultancy organisations. The exhibition will also feature theatrical performances and recreational activities for children.
The conference and exhibition will witness broad participation from local and international entities, including the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Sultan Qaboos University, the Oman Human Rights Commission, Unicef, as well as local associations, rehabilitation centres and civil society organisations.
Majda al Hinai, a board member of the association, stated that this year's edition focuses particularly on empowering children with disabilities through both the conference and the accompanying exhibition. She noted that the association aims, through this event, to align national policies with global trends to enhance the well-being of this cherished group within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, specifically under the pillar of Human and Society.
She added that the conference also seeks to explore and localise emerging technologies that can support and empower children with disabilities, stressing the importance of guiding families and raising community awareness on how to appropriately interact with and support the needs of this group.
She further pointed out that the conference will open new horizons for children to showcase their talents and abilities in arts, music, drawing, sports, and culture, aiming to enhance their integration into society and provide them with greater space to express themselves and actively participate in various community activities.
The event targets a wide audience, including families, children, school and university students, organisations interested in childhood products and services, tech and environmental companies, banks, online stores and entrepreneurs.
Through this event, the Children First Association reaffirms its commitment to continuing its role in building a society more aware of children's rights, and in enhancing children's opportunities to enjoy a better life, driven by its belief that every child possesses the energy to shape a brighter future for Oman.
