The Minister of Education in charge of the National Unity Government, Musa Al-Magarif, visited Umm Al-Fadl Girls’ Basic Education School in the wilayat of Nizwa in the Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman.
The visit program included: “The Minister and his accompanying delegation learned about the school’s educational initiatives, internal evaluation strategies for educational performance, and a tour of its various facilities such as the computer lab, the science hall, and the Center for Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties, during which he listened to presentations made by a group of female students, which included: “Environmental and technical projects, and cultural and artistic performances, demonstrated the school’s potential in promoting creativity and comprehensive learning.”
The program also included the Minister’s visit to the “Oman Through Time” Museum in the Wilayat of Manah. He was received by the Director General of the Museum, Yaqzan Al Harithi. During the tour, the delegation was briefed on the museum’s halls, which reflect the history and culture of Oman, and the cultural development that the Sultanate has witnessed throughout the ages.
The visit concluded with a “tour of the old city of Nizwa, which includes a group of prominent historical and heritage landmarks, such as the famous Nizwa Castle and its traditional market.”
This visit comes within “the framework of educational cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and Libya, and the keenness of both parties to exchange educational experiences and develop relations between the two countries.”
Last updated: November 6, 2024 – 00:30
Suggest a correction
Interview between Time.news Editor and Education Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Fatima Al-Hamadi, an expert in educational development and policy-making. We’ll be discussing an exciting recent visit by Oman’s Minister of Education, Musa Al-Magarif, to the Umm Al-Fadl Girls’ Basic Education School. Dr. Al-Hamadi, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Al-Hamadi: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: The Minister’s visit seems to have highlighted some key initiatives at the Umm Al-Fadl School. Can you tell us what makes such visits significant for schools in Oman?
Dr. Al-Hamadi: Absolutely. Visits from high-ranking officials like the Minister of Education serve multiple purposes. They not only show support and recognition for the hard work of teachers and students but also foster a direct connection between policy-making and the realities in classrooms. This enables better-informed decisions regarding the educational landscape.
Editor: During his visit, the Minister explored various facilities, including a computer lab and a Center for Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties. How important are these resources in promoting a holistic educational experience?
Dr. Al-Hamadi: They are crucial! Access to technology in computer labs prepares students for a digital world, enhancing their research and learning capabilities. Meanwhile, the Center for Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties ensures that all students have equal opportunities to succeed academically, regardless of their challenges. This inclusive approach is essential for building a compassionate and effective educational system.
Editor: He also witnessed presentations from female students on environmental and technical projects. In what ways do student-led projects influence their learning experience?
Dr. Al-Hamadi: Student-led projects are fantastic for fostering leadership, creativity, and critical thinking. They allow students to explore their interests deeply while developing practical skills. When they present their work, it builds confidence and strengthens their communication abilities. Plus, focusing on environmental issues and technical skills is essential in today’s context, as it prepares students to engage with pressing global challenges.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of inclusivity. How does the educational system in Oman promote gender equality in education, particularly through schools like Umm Al-Fadl?
Dr. Al-Hamadi: The Omani government has made significant strides in promoting gender equality in education. Schools like Umm Al-Fadl that focus on girls’ education play a vital role in changing societal perceptions and empowering young women. By providing a supportive environment and showcasing successful female role models, we encourage girls to pursue their interests and aspirations confidently.
Editor: after such visits, what are the next steps for schools to leverage the attention and support received from the government?
Dr. Al-Hamadi: Schools must translate that attention into actionable plans. This includes setting specific goals based on the interests expressed by students and stakeholders during the visit. They should seek community involvement, utilize available resources effectively, and constantly evaluate their educational practices to ensure they meet the evolving needs of students. Continuous dialogue with the Ministry of Education will also facilitate the implementation of necessary improvements.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hamadi, for your insights! It’s clear that the future of education in Oman looks promising, especially with initiatives like these moving forward.
Dr. Al-Hamadi: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for education, and I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.
Editor: Thank you to our readers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more discussions on pressing education topics!