Muscat: The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNICEF Oman, is undertaking the inaugural evaluation of the Child-Friendly Education (CFE) initiative as part of the current Country Programme Document.
Launched as a pilot in 2012, the CFE initiative has been rolled out across the nation to promote inclusive, safe, and supportive educational settings.
The Ministry of Education is central to this evaluation, which aims to measure progress, pinpoint areas for improvement, and inform future strategies. A steering committee, comprising representatives from various governorates in Oman, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Health, and the Oman Vision 2020 follow-up Unit, will analyze the findings and determine the next steps, with the first meeting taking place on February 25th. Qualitative data collection is scheduled for April 2025.
Shununa Al-Habsi, the Sultanate of Oman's representative on the UNICEF Executive Board and Assistant Director General for Special Education and Continuous Education at the Ministry of Education, remarked: “Oman is firmly dedicated to enhancing the quality of education. This evaluation will yield important insights to further improve our education system and guarantee that every child has access to a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment.”
Dr. Bilal Al-Kiswani, Head of Programme at UNICEF Oman, noted: “Child-Friendly Education is fundamental to UNICEF’s mission of fostering inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. We are honored to partner with the Ministry of Education to evaluate progress and explore new avenues to improve educational outcomes for all children in Oman, showcasing Oman as a model for best practices in the GCC region and beyond.”
Oman boasts a youthful demographic, with 30% of its population aged between 0 and 19 years. The nation has made remarkable progress in the education sector, successfully achieving universal access and gender parity for both boys and girls. The Education Law and Oman Vision 2040 emphasize the importance of inclusive education, effective governance, and lifelong learning. These initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals and UNICEF’s global strategic framework, ensuring that all children in the country have access to quality education and a safe learning environment.
CFE emphasizes a teaching approach centered around children, the creation of secure environments, the incorporation of life skills, and active community involvement. A committed CFE team within the Ministry of Education, along with essential stakeholders, will assess policies and procedures to improve educational results.
This collaborative initiative strengthens Oman’s position as a leader in child-friendly education, establishing a regional benchmark for inclusive learning.
