The Ministry of Health in Muscat, in collaboration with UNICEF Oman, has launched a “Training of Trainers” program focused on Social Behaviour Change Positive Parenting and Early Childhood Development. The initiative targets educators and healthcare professionals in primary healthcare centers across the Sultanate, with the aim of empowering them to become professional trainers in promoting positive parenting techniques and early childhood development. The program addresses key areas such as fostering early learning, responsive feeding, positive discipline, and inclusive childcare, providing participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to effectively train parents and caregivers.
Participants in the four-day training program gain insights into necessary skills for effective training, methodologies, presentation skills, leadership qualities, high-quality training principles, and techniques for facilitating discussions. The program also equips them with strategies to handle common challenges during training sessions professionally. Dr. Badria bint Mohsen Al-Rashdiya, Director General of Primary Healthcare, emphasized the program’s importance in providing guidance to parents on early childhood development, highlighting the role of trained professionals in offering crucial advice within the ministry.
Dr. Bilal Kiswani, Program Manager at UNICEF Oman, stressed the significance of early childhood development in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, emphasizing its profound impact on their future well-being, brain development, health, and learning ability in school. He underscored the importance of educating parents on addressing their children’s physical and mental health needs effectively. The program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing the capacity of parents and caregivers in education and health, leveraging community engagement and media channels to promote comprehensive national strategies.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and UNICEF Oman reflects a strategic approach to advancing early childhood development and positive parenting practices in the Sultanate. By training professionals in key areas of early childhood development, including positive discipline and inclusive childcare, the program aims to equip participants with the skills needed to effectively educate parents and caregivers. Through community engagement and media outreach, the program seeks to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood development in shaping children’s future well-being and learning outcomes.
The Training of Trainers program in early childhood development and positive parenting represents a crucial step in promoting comprehensive childcare practices in the Sultanate. By providing professionals with essential training and skills in early childhood development, positive discipline, and responsive feeding, the initiative aims to empower them to serve as key guides for parents and caregivers. With a focus on promoting inclusive childcare and fostering early learning, the program equips participants with the tools needed to support children’s holistic development and well-being from an early age. By collaborating with government entities and leveraging media channels, the program aims to reach a wider audience and promote positive parenting practices across the Sultanate.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Health’s partnership with UNICEF Oman in launching the Training of Trainers program in early childhood development and positive parenting underscores the commitment to strengthening family roles in child-rearing and promoting comprehensive childcare practices. By equipping professionals with the necessary skills to become trainers in early childhood development, the program aims to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to support children’s physical and mental health needs effectively. Through community engagement and media outreach, the program seeks to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood development in shaping children’s future well-being, learning outcomes, and overall happiness.
