Oman to Commemorate International Literacy Day on Sunday

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman will join countries worldwide and UNESCO in celebrating International Literacy Day on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This year’s theme, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” emphasizes the role of multilingual education in fostering communication, cultural dialogue, and the creation of peaceful, tolerant societies.

The Ministry of Education, representing Oman, will use the occasion to showcase its ongoing projects and programs aimed at eradicating illiteracy, while disclosing the impressive literacy rates achieved over the years. Since the academic year 1973/1974, Oman has made significant strides to combat illiteracy in all forms, including reading, writing, and cultural and civilizational literacy.

Through its General Directorate of Special Education and Continuing Education, the Ministry has been focused on providing tailored educational programs for segments of society that do not have access to regular education. These groups include adult learners in literacy and adult education classes, as well as individuals in care homes, correctional institutions, and those with disabilities.

Recognizing illiteracy as a complex social and cultural issue, the Sultanate of Oman underscores that its elimination requires a collaborative effort from the government, private, and civil sectors. To accelerate progress, the Ministry of Education has established strong partnerships with internal and external entities to modernize and expand adult education. This initiative allows individuals to continue their education into higher grades, fulfilling personal ambitions.

The Ministry has provided a range of facilities for students enrolled in literacy programs, including specialized curricula for literacy classes, teacher training for Omani graduates, and the issuance of literacy-free certificates to qualifying students. These certificates enable students to join adult education programs, ensuring their progress is supervised by specialized educators and tracked through the Ministry’s electronic literacy system.

Several key programs have been launched, including the Learning Villages Program, Cooperative Schools Program, Literacy Projects for Illiterates Working in the Ministry and private sector, and projects for island and marine village residents. The Educated Village Project, launched in 2004, has been particularly successful in eradicating illiteracy in isolated communities. A total of 30 villages have been transformed into educated villages, benefiting 2,438 students across Oman’s various governorates.

In addition, the Cooperative Schools Project, which leverages existing schools to support literacy efforts, has been instrumental in providing resources, supervision, and teacher training. Originally launched in 2003, the project has grown to include 50 cooperative schools in the 2023/2024 academic year.

Oman’s dedicated efforts reflect the country’s firm belief in the power of literacy to transform lives and foster peaceful, progressive societies. Through these initiatives, the Sultanate aims to build a future where education is accessible to all.