Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development, in collaboration with UNICEF Oman, is organizing a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop that began on Sunday and lasts until 4 September 2025, to improve the implementation of Oman's revised Child Protection Manual.
The training brings together over 50 child protection officials and professionals from crucial sectors, including the Ministries of Social Development, Education, and Health, as well as the Royal Oman Police, Child Protection Committee members, and the Public Prosecution. The ToT emphasizes hands-on training, allowing participants to practice utilizing the handbook in real-life situations, with work groups and exercises designed to Help them learn how to implement case management, referral, and reporting procedures, as well as how to coordinate successfully to protect children.
The updated Child Protection Manual, released by the Ministry of Social Development in June 2025, offers a complete framework for identifying, reporting, and responding to Cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Its guidance is in accordance with international and national commitments, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Oman's Child Law, and Vision 2040. Ensuring that child protection efforts align with global and national objectives. The manual establishes distinct referral processes, clarifies the roles of each involved organization, and provides particular deadlines for follow-up and case closure, all of which are required to protect the most vulnerable children.
Sayyida Maani bint Abdullah Al-Busaidi, Director General of Family Development and Head of the Child Protection Committee at the Ministry of Social Development, stated: "This Training will ensure that the Child Protection Manual is completely understood and applied consistently across all relevant organizations. By concentrating on We teach participants with practical exercises and real-life scenarios so that they may safeguard children adequately and cooperate easily. Our joint goal is to To improve coordination and ensure that no child in Oman is without the protection they require. "
H.E. Sumaira Chowdhury, UNICEF Representative to the Sultanate of Oman, said: "When a youngster is in danger, the speed, accuracy, and compassion of the response are critical." It has the potential to alter the trajectory of their lives. This training will help to standardize a unified approach across all entities, emphasizing our collective responsibility to safeguard every child, everywhere. "
The ToT is the first step in a larger initiative to improve child protection throughout the Sultanate. During this initial phase, the trainers who complete this training will share their expertise with other child protection professionals across the country, with the goal of reaching 200 practitioners. This effort is part of the Ministry of Social Development and UNICEF's joint efforts to institutionalize kid protection processes across the country. It was developed after substantial engagement with stakeholders to align the manual's advice with current ministry structures and to investigate future digital solutions for case management.
