The Sultanate of Oman is gearing up to celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8th, joining hands with UNESCO and countries around the world. This year, the focus will be on ‘Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace’, emphasizing the importance of multilingual education in fostering dialogue between cultures and promoting peace and tolerance. The Ministry of Education in Oman is set to showcase its projects and supportive programmes aimed at eradicating illiteracy and improving literacy rates.
Since the academic year of 1973/1974, Oman has been dedicated to combating illiteracy and eliminating it in all its forms. The General Directorate of Special Education and Continuing Education is working towards developing educational programmes for segments of society that require alternative education methods, such as adult learners in literacy classes, those in care homes, correctional institutions, and people with disabilities. The Sultanate recognizes illiteracy as a complex social and cultural problem that requires collaborative efforts from government, private, and civil sectors for effective eradication.
The Ministry of Education in Oman has taken significant steps to accelerate the elimination of illiteracy among all citizens by extending cooperation with internal and external partners. Efforts are being made to modernize adult education by providing resources and support for students in literacy classes, including specialized curricula, trained teachers, and certificates of literacy to progress to higher education levels. Additionally, the Ministry has implemented various programmes and projects, such as the Learning Villages Programme and Literacy Project for People with Disabilities, to address different aspects of illiteracy.
One innovative initiative by the Ministry is the Educated Village Project, which aims to mobilize the local community to overcome illiteracy in specific villages with high rates of illiteracy. By conducting comprehensive surveys and collaborating with local authorities, the program targets villages with limited access to educational resources. Since its launch in 2004, the Educated Village Project has expanded to 30 villages across different governorates, benefiting over 2,400 students. Another successful project is the Cooperative Schools Programme, which involves schools in supervising literacy departments and training teachers to support literacy efforts.
Through these initiatives and projects, the Sultanate of Oman is making significant progress in its mission to eradicate illiteracy and improve literacy rates. With a focus on multilingual education and fostering mutual understanding and peace, the Ministry of Education is dedicated to building a more literate and inclusive society. By working together with various stakeholders and engaging the local community, Oman is paving the way for a more educated and empowered future for all its citizens.
