Saturday 20 / April / 2024
Muscat: Oman’s example of providing affordable education and healthcare to all is a practice that should be followed globally, according to Unicef’s representative in the country.
As part of Unicef’s mandate for open communication, in coordination with its #ForEveryChild initiative, Lana Al Wreikat invited the public to submit questions regarding the organisation’s policies and plans in the Sultanate.
“Oman is considered to be a high-income country,” she said, in response to the question, ‘How does the government of Oman bring about positive changes for the children’s agenda globally?’
“Over the past four decades, economic stability and income growth have been accompanied by a rapid decline in child and maternal mortality, universal immunisation of children against diseases, and basic education for all,” added Al Wreikat. “Oman’s conventions include the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1996, and the passing of the Oman Child’s Law by Royal Decree in 2014.
“These provided the necessary measures and legislation for the protection and wellbeing of children in Oman, and are examples of the many achievements that can be built on globally,” added Al Wreikat.
“We are delighted to get to know Unicef Oman’s social media followers, and answer your questions about our work in the Sultanate of Oman,” she said.
“As part of our efforts to open communications with all of you, we invited you to send your questions. Thank you to all those who have participated and shared their comments and questions. I will try to answer them.”
In keeping with Omani traditions and customs, one of the most common questions asked was, ‘How do I volunteer with Unicef?’
“This is great and shows the positive spirit of cooperation in the Sultanate of Oman,” said Al Wreikat. “Unicef’s office is located in Muscat and we have no presence outside the capital in the field. For more information about opportunities to volunteer on specific initiatives, please visit Unicef Oman’s social media accounts and website.”
Al Wreikat also explained recommendations Unicef had for children living in an increasingly digital world
“It is important to encourage children to use the internet and provide them with opportunities to learn IT skills,” she said. “The use of this educational tool and other media is one of the most successful means of learning for children with disabilities, though we must educate our children and make them aware of the dangers and risks that exist online. Parents and caregivers also have an important responsibility to develop their own skills in order to intervene in a positive manner, not just limit the child’s use of the internet.”
“Unicef works with ministries concerned with childhood and motherhood,” noted Al Wreikat, when asked about Unicef’s future plans for Oman. “We work with the Ministry of Social Development on providing high-quality early childhood programmes for children, especially for those with disabilities, and with the Ministry of Education on child-friendly education, and with the Ministry of Health on nutrition programmes for children.
“Unicef works on studies, analyses and policy briefs to address crucial issues that affect children and their wellbeing,” she added. “In addition, we are building institutional capacity, in partnership with universities in the private sector. I would like to again thank everyone who sent in a question or suggestion. I hope you will continue to communicate with us through Unicef’s social media channels. We work with our partners at all levels to keep children in the spotlight.”
Unicef Oman can be reached on Facebook (@UNICEFOM), Twitter (@UNICEFOman), Instagram (@unicef_oman), and at www.unicef.org/oman. They can be reached on email at [email protected].
