The Ministry of Social Development has provided assistance to 82,215 cases of social security and low-income individuals, costing OMR 4.982 million. During a media briefing, the Ministry highlighted its achievements, plans, and future goals in various sectors such as social care, disability support, family development, volunteer work, and social responsibility.
Her Excellency mentioned that 52,455 individuals with disabilities hold a disability card, with key achievements including the establishment of the National Center for Autism and 33 initiatives from the Laboratory for Development of Services for People with Disabilities. Additionally, 124 specialists were appointed in fields like autism rehabilitation and physical therapy, benefiting 7,897 individuals with prosthetic devices and support services.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Ministry plans to launch the "Tasmu" initiative, involving 50 women in leadership roles across government, private sectors, and civil society to organize volunteer work through the Omani volunteer platform. They will also establish the Department of Voluntary Work and Social Development Committees to oversee the national social responsibility program and create an electronic platform for managing social responsibility programs and the integrated early childhood development centers project.
Her Excellency announced that in 2023, a total of 42 cases were able to initiate home projects with financial backing of OMR 24,000. The launch of the “Makasab” digital platform was also introduced to support productive family projects, along with the establishment of local temporary marketing outlets for 86 productive families across 19 exhibitions. Furthermore, the ministry organized an exhibition titled “Empowerment and Upliftment” for productive families, with 59 families participating. Additionally, 9 productive families took part in international exhibitions.
The Minister of Social Development, Her Excellency, highlighted that the Ministry conducted 2,202 campaigns to address the issue of begging in 2023, leading to the apprehension of 156 individuals. Various media campaigns were also initiated to combat bullying among children and violence against women.
Moreover, Her Excellency emphasized the significant projects supported by the Ministry through Social Responsibility initiatives. These include the Cadre program aiding struggling students in completing their university studies, the Stabilization Program providing essential electrical appliances to families in need, scholarships for general diploma graduates specializing in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, the establishment of an Innovation Center at children welfare centers and youth homes, the construction of greenhouses in rehabilitation centers, and the provision of prosthetic devices for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, a project was implemented to design, install, and maintain a solar energy system for 32 buildings belonging to Omani women’s associations.
