SUHAR: The Ministry of Education is enhancing educational infrastructure in Al Batinah North as they prepare for the next academic year. Among the key projects, the recently completed the building of Quba’ Basic Education School (Grades 5-10) in Suwaiq, which was constructed at a cost of about RO 2,275,320.
Abdullah al Abdulsalam, the Head of Projects at Al Batinah North Education Directorate, explained that a comprehensive inspection of all facilities preceded the building's official handover to ensure it meets the approved specifications. This new school building is within 13 projects currently being implemented by the Ministry of Education in various governorates.
The newly constructed school comprises 40 classrooms, administrative offices, faculty rooms, two science labs, two computer labs, a learning resources center, multipurpose halls, a tennis court, athletics track, meeting rooms, and other service facilities.
As the academic year 2024-2025 approaches, North Al Batinah's General Directorate of Education is preparing for an anticipated increase in student enrollment and staff numbers. Dr Waleed bin Talib al Hashmi of the General Director of Education in Al Batinah North, said there will be about 164,240 students across 244 public schools and 11,675 teachers.
To accommodate this growth and reduce the number of evening schools, two new buildings were inaugurated in the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. Additionally, four more buildings are set to open with the start of the new school year. Three ongoing construction projects worth over RO 15 million are being invested.
Efforts to enhance educational facilities include adding new classrooms and educational amenities in 18 schools, with another 18 schools in the planning stages. The year 2023 saw RO 900,000 allocated for maintenance and renovation of 63 school buildings. An amount of RO 425,000 is earmarked for 19 schools in 2024. Another RO 900,000 has been set aside to continue maintenance till the end of 2024.
A significant focus is also placed on improving the educational environment, with RP 857,520 allocated for upgrading and expanding school facilities. The Directorate has completed the first phase of replacing 3,136 air conditioning units in 27 schools, costing RO 767,222.4. 5,219 units in 50 schools have been replaced at a cost of RO 1,221,246.
The integration of modern technology in schools remains a priority in their schools too. Over 8,500 computers, televisions, and tablets were distributed to schools in 2023-2024. This initiative will continue in the upcoming year, with plans to replace 288 school buses, enhancing both educational and transport facilities for Al Batinah North's growing student population.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
