Latest news with #LailabintAhmedalNajjar
Muscat Daily
25-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
New regulations in Oman to enhance support for the elderly
Muscat – Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) has announced new regulations to improve care for elderly citizens living in government-run care homes. A ministerial decision issued by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, outlines comprehensive support for care home residents, including housing, medical services, psychological care and recreational activities. The new rules, issued on May 20, will take effect starting May 26. Under Ministerial Decision No 169/2025, government-run care homes are mandated to provide a safe and supportive environment for Omanis aged 60 and older who are unable to care for themselves. MoSD will work with other authorities to manage residents' financial matters and assist in preparing wills for those legally capable. The regulations set eligibility criteria for admission. Applicants must be Omani nationals unable to manage daily life independently. Preference will be given to those without family support or whose families are unable to provide adequate care. Admission is subject to an assessment by the ministry and a medical certificate from a government health institution confirming the absence of contagious diseases or severe mental illness. MoSD reserves the right to waive certain eligibility conditions based on findings of its assessment. The new regulations also address daily operations of care homes. Residents may receive visitors and leave the facility based on the home's policy. Homes can have the services of volunteers, provided they are legally competent, of good character and medically fit as certified by a government health facility. The new regulations prohibit the publication or sharing of residents' images or personal details without written consent of the home. A resident's stay may end if they choose to leave, regain independence, experience changes in family circumstances or in the event of death. A ministry statement said the regulations reflect its 'commitment to ensuring dignified and holistic care for Oman's elderly citizens'.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
20 artworks by children with autism spectrum disorder
MUSCAT: In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Ministry of Social Development, represented by the National Autism Centre in collaboration with the Royal Opera House Muscat, inaugurated the Second Autism Spectrum Disorder Art Exhibition, titled 'Citizenship: Identity and Belonging.' The event was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers; and in the presence of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, along with several high-ranking officials and members of the State Council. The exhibition aims to showcase the talents and creativity of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting their abilities particularly in the creative arts — as a means of expression that helps them communicate, interact socially, stimulate creative thinking, build self-confidence and promote social inclusion. The exhibition features 20 unique artworks created by children with ASD, along with a collection of artistic products. This year's works reflect themes of national identity and citizenship, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and community responsibility while raising public awareness of the individual's role in nation-building. It also highlights the role of culture and art in strengthening social cohesion and delivering meaningful messages through a visual language accessible to all segments of society. The Second Autism Spectrum Disorder Art Exhibition, titled 'Citizenship: Identity and Belonging' was opened on Tuesday evening. The event also featured the official launch of the children's story 'A Spectrum of Light', the second in a series inspired by the real-life experiences of individuals with ASD. The book, authored by Fawzia bint Ali al Fahdiyah and illustrated by Haneen al Lawati, is supported by Omantel. The story tells the inspiring journey of a child with ASD and showcases the efforts of the National Autism Centre in supporting and developing the child's skills. The book aims to promote awareness, acceptance and empathy among children towards their peers with ASD. Additionally, an agreement was signed during the ceremony with the Mohammed al Barwani Foundation for Charitable Works to support the establishment of a Hydroponic Agricultural Reserve, designed to provide vocational training for individuals with ASD. The initiative seeks to offer a supportive learning environment where participants can acquire hydroponic farming skills, enhance their social integration and raise public awareness about the importance of including individuals with ASD in community and developmental activities. The National Autism Centre continues to provide comprehensive rehabilitation programmes; and specialised educational and psychological services aimed at developing the skills of children with ASD and enhancing their integration into society. The centre also strives to organise exhibitions and events that showcase the talents of these children, encouraging interaction with their families and the wider community to build a supportive and inclusive environment that recognises their needs and celebrates their abilities.
Observer
12-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
National family affairs committee meets
MUSCAT: The National Family Affairs Committee held its first meeting of the year on Monday under the chair of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development and Chairperson of the Committee, in the presence of several members at the Ministry's headquarters. The meeting reviewed the latest updates on the Juvenile Accountability Law and discussed the proposed Family Protection Law and amendments to the Child Law. Additionally, the Committee examined the Ministry of Health's efforts to enforce mandatory premarital screening to mitigate potential health risks affecting couples or their future children. It is worth noting that the National Family Affairs Committee is responsible for proposing policies and programmes to support Omani families across social, health and cultural fields, ensuring their implementation in coordination with relevant authorities. — ONA
Observer
23-04-2025
- General
- Observer
Winners of Educational Award feted
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Education honoured the winners of the Omani Educational Excellence Award in its second edition for the 2024/2025 academic year, under the auspices of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, on Wednesday. A total of 25 teachers won the award including five female teachers from grades 1-4, five female teachers and five male teachers from grades 5-8 and five female teachers and five male teachers from grades 9-12. Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, said that the award stems from deep appreciation for the distinguished efforts and dedication of teachers, noting that the award had gone through a careful transitional phase since its inception. He added that the Ministry of Education has developed a special electronic system to evaluate the second phase of the award within a process that ensures transparency and embodies the highest evaluation standards. The award aims to foster a spirit of positive competition among teachers to achieve excellence and creativity, encourage innovative initiatives in teaching methods, improve student learning and motivate teachers to implement interactive e-learning in the educational process. The ceremony included honouring the outstanding participants of the 4th Arab Parliament for the Child. — ONA
Muscat Daily
23-04-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
25 educators honoured with Omani Teacher Excellence Award
Muscat – Ministry of Education (MoE) honoured 25 outstanding teachers on Wednesday in the second edition of the Omani Teacher Excellence Award for the 2024/2025 academic year. The ceremony was held under the patronage of H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. The winners included five female teachers of Grades 1 to 4, ten teachers (five male and five female) of Grades 5 to 8, and ten teachers (five male and five female) of Grades 9 to 12. Speaking on the occasion, H E Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, MoE Undersecretary, said, 'The teaching profession is not just a job; it is a mission, a life project and a fundamental driver of human development. The teacher is the one who plants the seeds of inspiration in students, watering them with the values.' He described the award as a gesture of deep appreciation for the commitment and dedication of educators, and said it had gone through careful planning since its inception. 'MoE has developed a dedicated electronic system to evaluate the second phase of the award, ensuring transparency and the highest standards of fairness.' H E Ambusaidi praised the efforts of the Supervisory and Evaluation Committee and support teams involved in the award process, noting their contribution to setting standards and overseeing its implementation. He congratulated the winners, calling their success a step towards greater educational excellence. The award process includes two stages. The first covers students' academic performance, inspection reports, teacher proficiency and learning time. The final phase evaluates teaching methods, school participation, professional development and community involvement. The award aims to encourage innovation and creativity in teaching, promote the use of interactive e-learning and raise academic outcomes. It also seeks to highlight outstanding initiatives and build stronger partnerships between schools and the wider community.
