NIZWA: A training programme on the role of vocational empowerment programmes in improving the quality of life for persons with mental disabilities project, was concluded recently at Amna Bint Alarqam al Makhzomyah School for Basic Education (5-10) in Bahla.
The training lasted for a whole month. During the training 5 special education teachers from Amna bint Alarqam al Makhzomyah School for Basic Education (5-10), Zainab bint Ali School for Basic Education (1-10), Ahad Al Nahtha School for Basic Education (1-4), targeted a number of 11 students from the mental integration classes. They are from the schools of Amna bint Alarqam al Makhzomyah School and Zainab bint Ali School. The training also targeted a number of mothers of mental integration students.
The training focused on the use of the loom in weaving and on the manufacture of medals and packaging in its various forms such as notebooks, notes, and bottle.
The conclusion of the training phase was held in the presence of Issa bin Mohsen al Mafraji, Head of the Minister of Education’s Office and Assistant for Administrative Affairs, in the presence of Ali bin Mohammad al Shukaili, Assistant Director-General for Administrative Affairs at the Directorate of Education in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, and Dr. Nasser bin Mohammad al Ofi, the field supervisor of the project.
In the beginning, a presentation was made about the project in terms of its objectives and stages. Dr. Nasser bin Mohammad al Ofi, the field supervisor of the project, said: “persons with disabilities in all societies constitute one of the most important social category that require care and attention from all social units and institutions. In order to facilitate ways of life for them in order to enable them to practice and enjoy their lives like their peers from normal individuals. The role of vocational empowerment programmes in improving the quality of life for people with mental disabilities comes to empower the mentally disabled student through training them in the craft of weaving.”
“We choice Al Dakhiliyah because the existence of a textile and training center in the Wilayat of Samail, which provides technical support for individuals with mental disabilities during the implementation of the project and after the end of the project to ensure the continuity of technical support. Moreover, the nature of the governorate in terms of the presence of many heritage places (Nizwa Castle - Al Hoota Cave - Jibreen Fort - Bahla Castle), which makes it a destination for tourists and the presence of heritage markets through which the project's products can be marketed from textiles with a heritage character,” al Ofi added.
This project comes as a realization of the principle of the right of people with disabilities to rehabilitation and to find an appropriate job opportunity. In addition to their right to obtain a stable source of livelihood in order to achieve independence and be freed from the constraints of dependency on others. It helps people with mental disabilities to become a participant in building the nation and achieving sustainable development in accordance with the Oman 2040 vision.
After that, the visitors visited the class, where the students and teachers were shown training in weaving. Then a video presentation was given about the training phase at Amna bint Alarqam al Makhzomyah School.
Finally, of Issa bin Mohsen al Mafraji, Head of the Minister of Education’s Office and Assistant for Administrative Affairs, honored the students, teachers and mothers participating in the programme. The trainer and the school management were also honored for their cooperation in the success of the project.
The project will move to the stage of training weight in the schools of Amna bint Alarqam al Makhzomyah, Zainab bint Ali School, and Ahad Al Nahtha School. The teachers and mothers will continue to train female students on weaving skills for two academic years.
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