Latest news with #MoSD
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches programme to support for children with autism
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), through the National Autism Centre, has launched a summer programme aimed at supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by combining rehabilitation and recreational activities. The initiative, which began on Tuesday, provides a structured and supportive environment to help children develop essential life skills during the summer break. An official from the ministry told Muscat Daily that the programme is designed to enhance behavioural, social, academic and functional skills through practical experiences tailored to each child's individual needs. 'It ensures each child receives the maximum benefit based on their unique potential,' the official said. The programme supplements ongoing rehabilitation services provided throughout the year and places a strong emphasis on communication and language development. Individual and group sessions incorporate alternative communication methods and assistive technologies to help children express themselves more effectively. Improving social interaction is a key focus, with group activities encouraging cooperation and peer engagement. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies are employed to reinforce positive behaviour, while academic support is offered through reading, writing and arithmetic sessions. Sports and art activities are also included to aid the development of motor skills. The programme is being held in two phases at the National Autism Centre: The first from June 3 to 19, and the second from June 22 to July 3. Each day is divided into two sessions – 8:30am to 10:30am and 11:00am to 1:00pm – aligned with the children's energy levels and abilities. 'Through this programme, we aim to offer an integrated setting that supports children with autism during the summer. It thoughtfully blends rehabilitation, education and fun, boosting their self-confidence and enhancing core skills,' the official added. The sessions are supervised by a multidisciplinary team comprising behavioural therapists, speech and language specialists, and occupational therapists, ensuring a comprehensive approach that encourages active participation and sustained motivation.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Dialogue session promotes Omani women's role in governance
Muscat – A dialogue session held in Muscat on Monday brought together 70 Omani women from the State Council, Majlis A'Shura, municipal councils, government institutions and women's associations to discuss ways to enhance female leadership and political participation. Organised by Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), the event aimed to enhance women's presence in leadership and decision-making roles, particularly within electoral bodies. It also sought to raise public awareness on the importance of women's involvement in governance and build confidence among aspiring female leaders. Participants discussed a range of tools – legal, economic and media-related – to support women in leadership, and reviewed the role of civil society in empowering women to engage more actively in political processes. Suad al Yazidi, Director of Women's Affairs Department at MoSD, said the ministry continues to implement targeted programmes to support female leadership. 'We have introduced several initiatives and training programmes, including meetings with female leaders and capacity-building efforts for women interested in serving in the shura and municipal councils,' she said. Suad al Yazidi, Director of Women's Affairs Department at MoSD Among the ministry's flagship initiatives is 'Tasmu', launched in partnership with Royal Academy of Administration, which is training 50 Omani women for leadership positions across various sectors. The dialogue featured two sessions. The first addressed strategies for success and included working papers on leadership, strategic communication, the role of women in the private sector, and legal frameworks that support their participation in elections. Quds bint Abdullah al Riyami, a political science student at Sultan Qaboos University The second session focused on contributions of civil society and the media in promoting women's political engagement. Discussions included the experience of Omani women in Majlis A'Shura and examined how organisations and the media can help raise awareness and support female candidates. Quds bint Abdullah al Riyami, a political science student at Sultan Qaboos University and former member of the Arab Parliament for Children, spoke about her early exposure to parliamentary work. 'My experience as the youngest member of the Arab Parliament for Children gave me the confidence and tools to aspire to leadership roles,' she said. The event was part of Oman's wider efforts to build a supportive environment for women's advancement and to ensure their effective contribution to national development and governance.
Muscat Daily
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
New architects association to inspire design innovation in Oman
Muscat – Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) has formally established Oman Architects Association, designating it as the country's primary professional body for architecture. The move follows Ministerial Decision No 170/2025 issued by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed bin Awad al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, on May 22. The association is expected to play a central role in advancing the quality of architecture, urban planning, construction and public spaces in Oman. Its objectives include improving professional standards and ethics, guiding architectural practice, and encouraging innovation in design and related disciplines. It will also support architectural education, particularly among youth, and align academic programmes with national priorities and international benchmarks. In addition, the association aims to contribute to the development of regulatory frameworks governing architecture and urban development. To promote international cooperation, the association will work to connect Omani architects with counterparts abroad and facilitate their participation in global forums. Members will also have access to lectures, workshops and other professional development resources. Oman Architects Association will be governed by a ten-member board of directors, with each member serving a renewable two-year term. Membership requirements and election processes will be defined in its bylaws. Funding will be drawn from membership fees, authorised donations, revenue from its activities, government support and other sources approved by MoSD. Formation of the association marks a step towards professionalising the country's architectural sector, with a broader aim to support innovation and sustainable development in line with national and regional aspirations.
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'.
Muscat Daily
18-05-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
MoSD's ‘Skills without Barriers' to empower persons with disabilities
Muscat – Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) launched a two-day forum – Skills without Barriers – on Sunday as part of its ongoing efforts to support people with disabilities. It aims to promote vocational integration and targets school and university students, as well as firms employing or training individuals with disabilities. An MoSD official stated that the forum seeks to enhance collaboration between rehabilitation centres, educational institutions, and employers to create training opportunities and a more inclusive work environment. It also aims to showcase the talent and capabilities of persons with disabilities, foster their professional and social integration, and develop their practical skills through interactive workshops. 'Skills without Barriers is designed to provide a supportive platform for creativity, knowledge-sharing and skill-building,' the official said. The opening day featured a series of hands-on workshops, including leatherwork, hand-weaving and various traditional crafts. An exhibition running alongside the forum is showcasing products made by disabled individuals, alongside awareness sessions being conducted for participants and visitors. Activities will continue on Monday, with workshops on carpentry and woodwork design, agriculture and landscaping, metalwork, and paper recycling. According to the latest data released by National Centre for Statistics and Information, 69,000 persons with disabilities were registered in the sultanate in September 2024.
