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By Asia Education Review Team , Thursday, 11 January 2024

Oman's 'Youth Ready' Initiative Equipping Next Generation with Future Skills

  • The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth (MCSY) in Muscat has introduced the 'Youth Ready' initiative, a substantial skill development program scheduled to launch nationwide in Oman in 2024. This initiative will cover five governorates where Outward Bound Oman operates, namely North Sharqiyah, Dakhliya, Musandam, Al Wusta, and Dhahira. 'Youth Ready' will consist of a four-day camp in each of these governorates, providing a distinctive experiential learning opportunity poised to bring significant advancements to industry practices in Oman. The camp activities will involve problem-solving tasks, group discussions, mountain hiking, and camping, all crafted to foster an environment conducive to learning.

    Conducted by proficient Omani instructors, these activities are designed to impart crucial skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and self-management to the participants. The initiative aims to enhance participants' understanding of labour market requirements and better prepare them for their future careers. Hilal al Siyabi, the Director General of Youth at MCSY, emphasized that the program aligns with the Omani National Framework for Future Skills and supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040 in terms of sustainable development. The 'Youth Ready' program serves as a tangible expression of MCSY's dedication to nurturing young talent and providing them with the necessary skills to navigate a dynamically evolving job market.

    The Youth Ready training focuses on fostering the social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills of participants to contribute to the enhancement of their livelihoods. The ultimate goal is to empower young individuals, providing them with the capabilities to actively participate and contribute as productive citizens. Youth Ready represents World Vision's distinctive Positive Youth Development (PYD) project model, aiming to empower vulnerable and marginalized youth to become positive catalysts for change in their lives and communities. The program strives to create a supportive environment for young people and connect them with opportunities for health, productivity, and meaningful engagement.