Latest news with #MinistryofSocialDevelopment
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
'Ayadi' volunteer platform to promote culture of giving
Muscat, June 18 In a significant move to institutionalise volunteer work in the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in partnership with Al Hosni International Group, officially launched the 'Ayadi' digital platform for volunteerism on Wednesday. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat and attended by ministers, dignitaries and representatives from government entities, private sector organisations and civil society. 'Ayadi' is the first official digital platform in Oman dedicated to organising and enhancing volunteer efforts across the country. The initiative reflects the goals of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the area of social welfare and protection, by creating a supportive environment for social responsibility and volunteer contributions. Hamood al Shibibi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Social Development, stated: 'The Ministry is proud to launch 'Ayadi', Oman's first official digital platform for volunteerism. It aims to unify and streamline voluntary efforts and initiatives across the Sultanate of Oman. The platform will attract volunteers from government, private and non-profit sectors, as well as individuals, making it easier to register and match skilled participants with relevant opportunities.' He added: 'Each volunteer will have a personalised profile, a volunteering certificate and a digital record, which can be utilised as a formal reference for future opportunities across various sectors.' The platform is designed to elevate the culture of volunteerism in Oman, ensuring professional management of volunteering activities through a centralised, data-driven approach. It enables the creation of a unified database and provides detailed statistics about volunteers and their contributions, helping shape future national initiatives. Three key volunteer initiatives were announced during the launch: 'Baharna Mas'ooliyatna' (Our Sea, Our Responsibility), 'Oman Design Week' and 'Sawaa'id Al Khair' (Hands of Goodness). 'Ayadi' integrates volunteer teams, NGOs, public and private entities; and individual volunteers under a single digital umbrella. It provides access to opportunities across fields such as healthcare, education, environment, emergency relief and other developmental sectors. Built with community input gathered through online consultations, the platform was shaped according to the aspirations of the Omani people for a modern, accessible and efficient volunteer ecosystem. The mobile app is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, offering users an easy and flexible experience. Volunteers can register, choose initiatives that align with their interests and expertise, receive training and gain formal recognition for their contributions. Institutions, in turn, can launch initiatives, manage volunteer relationships, track progress and generate customised reports — ensuring transparency, accountability and maximum impact.
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman's first volunteering platform to strengthen social responsibility
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in partnership with Al Hosni Group International, has launched Oman's first national volunteering platform 'Ayadi' to bring together volunteer teams, associations, institutions, and individuals under one system. The platform has been created to make it easier to access opportunities in fields such as health, education, environment, relief and development. It aims to unify efforts and build an accurate record of volunteer contributions, fostering a culture of giving and teamwork, officials said. The launch event took place on Wednesday under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and was attended by ministers, dignitaries and representatives from government, private institutions and civil society organisations. Ayadi is intended to promote and organise volunteer work in line with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises social welfare and the creation of an environment that encourages community participation and social responsibility. The platform aims to strengthen the culture of volunteerism and manage it efficiently through a supportive digital system. It will provide a unified database of volunteers and volunteering activities across the sultanate, and help generate diverse opportunities for community engagement and social cohesion. During the launch, three initiatives were introduced on Ayadi – one of which is 'Our Sea, Our Responsibility' announced by Sohar Port and Freezone. This programme aims to increase environmental awareness and protect coastal areas through beach clean-ups in Majis and Suhar, involving around 200 volunteers. The Omani Society for Design presented its national initiative 'Oman Design Week', to engage youth in organising an annual event for the promotion of design and reinforcement of cultural identity through ten participating volunteers. Salalah Volunteer Team introduced Sawaed al Khair (Hands of Goodness), targeting remote mountain areas in Dhofar to open trails and clean water streams and springs, with around 30 volunteers involved. Ayadi was developed with input from the community through an online engagement phase to ensure it meets public expectations for a technology-based volunteering environment. The platform's mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, allows volunteers to register, create profiles, join opportunities, access training programmes and receive certificates. Organisations can propose initiatives, manage volunteers, track hours, and generate reports on their projects. Officials hope Ayadi will encourage greater participation in volunteer work and strengthen community responsibility across Oman.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Origin of forgotten carvings uncovered
A Gore woman's search for the origins of two workplace carvings aligned with her reconnection with her whakapapa. Ministry of Social Development work broker Aroha Sell (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) said she was just starting to re-engage with her culture when she became determined to track down the two taonga whakairo (carvings). Originally installed in 1998, the wood carvings were put into storage in about 2010 due to renovations, and faded from workplace memory. "I instantly felt a responsibility to uphold the mana of our He Taonga Whakairo and ensure that tikanga was followed," she said. "I was in my early beginnings in reconnecting back to my own Māoritanga and honestly had no idea where to start, but the fire in my belly had started." Ms Sell, alongside her co-workers Chloe Beckett and Hannah Cornish, formed Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora O Māruawai Rōpu (the MSD Gore Group) and set a goal to uncover the whakapapa of the artworks. During the 18-month journey to uncover the carvings' origins, Ms Sell asked around the organisation, located old copies of WINZ World magazine and looked through The Ensign archives. Despite this, the artist remained unknown, until she was connected with the Hokonui Rūnanga, and someone there identified the carver as Moana McRoberts. Mr McRoberts, now based in the North Island, was commissioned to create the carvings while working at Mataura Marae as part of the Training Opportunities Programme training scheme. He was "very humbled" Ms Sell had taken the time to locate him and find out the story behind the artworks. He recalled the carvings represented the seasons, and with that in mind, the taonga was unveiled to coincide with Matariki celebrations. The second unveiling was held early yesterday on a frosty Gore morning, led with a karakia from rūnanga cultural adviser Matu Coleman-Clarke, and Ms Sell gave a speech. Capability developer Ann Meffan also spoke, as she was at the original 1998 unveiling as was client service delivery manager Judith McLellan. Ms McLellan organised the original commissioning of the works, as part the Te Punga bicultural push and funding initiative of the 1990s. Incorporating te ao Māori (the Māori world-view) into the ministry was fairly new back then and the carvings were probably the first of their kind in the South Island. "It was sort of a lead-in for us," she said. Ms Sell became emotional when describing the recent reconnection with her culture coinciding with the mission of understanding the taonga. "I felt like these carvings had come to me for a reason."
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Care worker to face trial for ‘abusing' disabled children
A man working at a care centre for children with disabilities is to stand trial for alleged abuse, after being caught on camera mistreating those in his charge, the Public Prosecution announced yesterday. Prosecutors said the suspect, a national of an unnamed Arab country, has been referred to criminal court following an investigation triggered by a complaint from the Ministry of Social Development. Inspectors from the ministry, carrying out a routine visit to the rehabilitation facility, reported that the worker was seen mishandling the children physically and emotionally. He was tasked with looking after young people with disabilities at the centre. The prosecution took up the matter without delay. Testimonies were taken from the ministry's inspection officer and the head of the centre. Security footage was also reviewed, and was said to capture scenes of abuse. The defendant was questioned, and following the inquiry, the case was passed to the criminal courts for trial.
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Better support mooted for individuals with disabilities in Oman
Muscat – As part of its ongoing efforts to support and empower individuals with disabilities, the Ministry of Social Development held a consultative meeting on Tuesday with representatives from government, private and community-based rehabilitation centres. The meeting aimed to highlight the ministry's role in enhancing services for persons with disabilities, while also addressing the main challenges facing rehabilitation centres and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation and unified action among all stakeholders. Discussions during the meeting focused on the various services and programmes provided by the Department of Persons with Disabilities. These include the issuance of disability identification cards, the provision of assistive devices and supportive equipment, and access to rehabilitation services at specialised centres. Participants reviewed the key obstacles faced by rehabilitation centres and put forward a number of development proposals aimed at improving the quality of services offered. The discussions also emphasised the importance of greater coordination to ensure more comprehensive support and care for individuals with disabilities across the country. According to the ministry, a total of 119 rehabilitation centres comprising government, private and community-based institutions were operating in Oman by the end of 2024. Of these, 19 centres were newly established during that year. The number of beneficiaries reached 8,893 individuals. Additionally, the ministry distributed 10,795 assistive devices in 2024, while the number of individuals issued a 'Person with Disability' card stood at 64,087 till the end of the year.
