MANPOWER & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

As the Sultanate and its people moved boldly into the 21st century, the government’s determination to maintain some of the country’s tried and true traditions - including respect for the individual and the inclusion of all Omanis in the political decision making process - remained unchanged. In times of prosperity Omanis have enjoyed the rewards through education programmes for all, a free health service, improved standards of living and a sophisticated infrastructure. In times of trouble, such as that experienced when parts of the country were battered by cyclone Gonu in the summer of 2007, all sections of society are expected to pull together for the greater good.

The government’s support for its population is evident at many levels. A recent example has been the assistance citizens have received to counter the wave of inflation sweeping the world as a result of the turmoil in global markets. The government has taken decisive measures to lighten the burden of higher prices on the Omani citizen, including increasing the salaries of government employees, with particular support being given to those on low incomes.

The Ministry of Social Development carries out technical and research studies and operates projects and pilot schemes in various social fields with the aim of promoting community development, providing people with the tools and knowledge to enjoy more productive and fulfilling lives. The Ministry prepares social welfare plans and programmes for families and individual citizens, frequently backed up by material assistance. It takes steps to improve the housing, economic and social conditions of families on social security and involves the government and non-government sectors in an increasing number of development and social projects in cooperation with various state authorities.

In 2008, the Ministry of Social Development launched the Productive Social Security Families Project with the aim of enabling families on social security, the disabled, and others in reduced economic circumstances, to become productive and thereby contribute to their country’s economic growth.

Every year 1,500 scholarships are granted for courses within the Sultanate to children of families on social security through a scheme organised by the Ministry of Higher Education working closely with the Ministry of Social Development.

In January 2008 a micro-credit programme agreement was signed during the course of the Intilaaqah Best Young Entrepreneurs Awards to help social security dependant families set up their own businesses. Loans of up to RO3,000 will be given without interest.

Social resources

The Ministry of Social Development employs a highly professional team of more than 160 experts and administrators to fulfil a range of functions, including research into social trends and developments, interviewing families applying for social welfare and conducting regular home visits where necessary. The team also provide advisory services, launch community awareness campaigns and contribute to the activities of non-government institutions working in related fields.

Services for the Disabled

Services for the disabled are provided by the government and community-backed civil institutions. Health services are free to all Omani citizens but for those with disabilities, the onus is placed upon early diagnosis and swift medical intervention for those with hereditary conditions.

A range of specialist services are offered: some, like the Khoula Hospital in Muscat, specialise in physical disabilities, while others, including the Ibn Sina Hospital, specialise in mental disabilities in adults. Sultan Qaboos University Hospital specialises in paediatric behavioural medicine, while Al Nahdha Hospital deals with hearing problems.

The Ministry of Social Development is responsible for overseeing several care centres including the Al Wafa Voluntary Social Centres that provide day care and rehabilitation services across the country.

Al Wafa Social Centres

There are currently 22 Al Wafa voluntary social centres across the country. The Ministry of Education operates a programme that places disabled children in ordinary schools; during the 2007- 2008 academic year 34 schools accepted pupils under this scheme.

Care for the aged

Respect and kindness for the elderly and the provision of care and assistance for those in need are part of Omani and Islamic tradition. The traditional method of care or the aged - by the family at home - is widespread in Oman. However, government back-up is provided for those in need of support. A special residential home was set up in 1979 to provide accommodation for old people who have no relatives or for cases whose circumstances preclude providing them with home care.

There is a growing trend towards elderly Omanis living within the family while using a combination of the welfare services available. The role of non-government organisations and the voluntary sector continues to expanding to provide improved and extended services for this valued segment of society.

Associations

The Ministry encourages the establishment of social associations and institutions and the important role they play in the community. Omani women are active through 51 women’s associations, which are closely involved in women and family issues and operate a range of education and training programmes and provide support services that help improve the economic and educational conditions of Omani women and their families .

The Sultanate’s 19 professional associations also come under the Ministry’s aegis. Each association – which includes members of a single profession such as engineers, doctors, social workers, economists, accountants, writers, journalists, lawyers etc. – aims to improve the professional and cultural calibre of its members and serve the public by putting its members’ expertise at the community’s disposal.

In April 2008, the first ‘Local Societies Forum’ was held in Muscat. The three day event aimed to shed light on the strategic role played by local societies in serving  society as well as highlighting their pivotal role in enriching the voluntary work  culture.

Social Development:- Education Social Care Health Services Sports and Youth Housing Services Environment Services