Children with Down Syndrome will be trained in various departments to empower them with working knowlege, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Prakramika Vocational Institute, the Omani Down Syndrome Association (ODSA), and Khimji Eshraqa. The agreement provides free vocational training for a year.
Prakramika will provide the training in three phases along with a certificate of completion, while Khimji Eshraqa will fund the materials needed for the training. Products made by the children undergoing training will be sold with corporate support, and the proceeds will benefit ODSA.
Dr Gayatri Narasimhan, Founder and Director of Prakramika, Masoud al Hinai, Vice Chairman and Board member of ODSA and Mahmoud al Saqri, Head of KR - Eshraqa, signed the agreement in the presence of children, trainers, and other invitees.
An Eshraqa representative stated that this initiative is part of their ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, with plans to support more initiatives that have a positive impact on society.
The agreement, effective from July 23, to May 31, 2025, establishes a partnership to work collaboratively towards training ODSA students.
Trainers will provide training to students aged 15 and above in three phases, with a maximum of 15 students in each phase. Phase 1 involves block printing for 2 months, Phase 2 focuses on digital work where children create their digital planner and bookmark for 2 months, and the final phase includes candle and soap making for 3 months. Upon completion, children will receive a certificate to enhance their employability and confidence.
Dr Gayatri stated, "We aim to empower children with Down Syndrome to take on both manual and digital jobs, making them more self-reliant." ODSA will sell the final goods produced by the students, and proceeds will support the association's operations."
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