Counselling key to happy married life

Oman reported more than 10 divorces a day in 2016, which makes pre and post marital counselling paramount in keeping families intact. Social workers stress the importance of counselling as it will enlighten young men and women about relationships after marriage and an opportunity to find common ground before embarking on a life’s journey. Statistics say there were 3,788 divorces in Oman in 2016. In 2015, a total of 3,619 cases of divorces were registered in Oman. The divorce rate in Oman is 1.6 per 1,000 couples, according to the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. In 2015, a total of 3,619 cases of divorces were registered in Oman. The Sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Social Development, pays great attention to the stability of family life. The Department of Family Counselling and Guidance conducts counselling sessions for young men and women who account over 60 per cent of the divorces. “The primary task and target of the department is to strengthen the foundations of family and help individuals weather the emotional and social challenges,” a social consultant from the department said. Until the end of 2016, around 10,757 people benefited from the project conducted by the ministry for marital consultations. A total of 57 lectures and 14 workshops were held all over the Sultanate targeted at the Omani youth, since the programme was first started in 2014. “Teams of specialists and consultants have been sent across the Sultanate to spread the awareness of importance of family and how to lead happy marriage life. The teams held courses in sports clubs, public majlis, colleges, mosques, women associations, health and education institutions, and government offices,” the official said. The ministry is conducting more martial counselling awareness programmes in the form of seminars, conferences, workshops and informative posts. People can call the toll-free number 77788-800 and get assistance. Zainab al Nassri