UNICEF Oman and Ministry of Social Development Collaborate on Integrated Early Childhood Development Centres
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Hashim Sheikh
- . August 29, 2024
- . Update: August 29, 2024 11:01 pm
Under the direction of the Ministry of Social Development, UNICEF Oman has significantly improved early children care and education. Draft study on the creation of Integrated Early children Development (IECD) Centres shows this progress. This project is a combined effort aiming at meeting the basic requirements of children during their formative years, with an emphasis on inclusive services that support children with disabilities especially.
All Around Cooperation and Consultation
Developed over several years, the draft report included among other important stakeholders and partners the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, Sultan Qaboos University, and Oman Vision 2040 members. This inclusive strategy guaranteed that the concept of the IECD Centres was created with consideration for numerous sectors of industry. Reflecting a dedication to inclusiveness, these facilities are expected to support early childhood development as well as offer necessary services like early identification and suitable treatment for children with disabilities.
Applications of Global Best Practices
Many seminars were conducted to guarantee that the suggested IECD Centres complement worldwide exceptional early childhood development strategies. These discussions also concentrated on developing a clear plan for the operationalization of these facilities so guaranteeing their potential to provide first-rate services all around Oman. The focus on matching with global standards highlights the will to provide Omani children the greatest possible start in life in line with international criteria.
Early childhood education: strategic and financial forecasts
Emphasizing Oman’s commitment to early children, the Ministry of Education, UNICEF Oman, together set up a workshop to show the finance and final costing models for the whole Early Children Education project. Attending this session were important ministries of social development, health, and other pertinent stakeholders in addition to necessary partners. The debates gave interesting new perspectives on the financial elements and strategic directions required to carry out successful early childhood education initiatives all throughout the Sultanate.
Dedication to equitable learning
“The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial for their development; our strategic goals align with Oman’s dedication to ensuring that every child, including those with disabilities, receives the highest quality care and education during these formative years,” Sumaira Chowdhury, UNICEF Representative in Oman, underlined reflecting on these important developments.
The discussions on the IECD Centres and the Early Childhood Education research strengthened the link of these projects with Oman Vision 2040 and the 2023 Education Law, therefore confirming early childhood development as a fundamental entitlement for every child in Oman. These initiatives reflect the national will to foster lifelong learning, inclusive education, and knowledge-based society.
Starting the Road toward a Future Brightened
Every child in Oman can grow from the very beginning of life and so guarantee a better future by means of cooperation among UNICEF Oman, the government, and other interested parties. Giving inclusive education and early childhood development a priority helps Oman invest in the children as well as in the future of the country.
