Muscat: In a concerted effort to enhance the role and capabilities of families in the upbringing of children, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF Oman, is inaugurating a "Training of Trainers" (ToT) program. This initiative is centered around Social and Behaviour Change, Positive Parenting, and Early Childhood Development. The program is designed for educators and healthcare professionals working in primary healthcare centers across various health institutions within the Sultanate of Oman. Its primary goal is to equip participants with the requisite skills to become proficient trainers in early childhood development, thereby enabling them to educate parents and caregivers on positive parenting techniques and guide them in the promotion of early childhood development and comprehensive childcare.
The four-day training program will focus on several critical areas of early childhood development and positive parenting, including fostering early learning, responsive feeding, positive discipline, and the promotion of inclusivity among children with disabilities. Additionally, the program will provide participants with practical experience to develop their professional training skills. Attendees will acquire essential knowledge and practical tools necessary for becoming professional trainers in early childhood development and positive parenting. The program will cover key topics such as the essential skills for effective trainers, training methodologies, presentation skills enhancement, leadership qualities, the core principles of high-quality training, and techniques for facilitating and managing discussions. It will also address common challenges faced by trainers during sessions and strategies for professional handling of these challenges.
Dr. Badria bint Mohsen Al-Rashdiya, the Director General of Primary Healthcare, highlighted the significance of the "Training of Trainers" program in early childhood development and positive parenting, stating, "The program, implemented by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF Oman, aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to serve as professional trainers in early childhood development. These trainers will play a pivotal role as the primary source of guidance for parents on this critical aspect."
Dr. Bilal Kiswani, the Programme Manager at UNICEF Oman, emphasized the importance of the early stages of a child's life, referred to as the "first 1,000 days," in shaping the child's future, brain development, health, happiness, learning abilities in school, and overall well-being. He underscored the necessity of regular education for parents on managing their children's physical and mental health needs.
This strategic program for social and behavioral change is crucial in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals related to integrated early childhood development and the strengthening of the capacity of parents and caregivers in areas such as education and health. In collaboration with government entities, UNICEF Oman is dedicated to developing comprehensive national strategies based on social and economic indicators. This involves promoting community engagement and utilizing both modern and traditional media channels. The program is designed to work within the framework of its collaboration with national counterparts who are directly involved with parents and children.
