Muscat – The Ministry of Education (MoE) unveiled the OMIFCO School Innovation Award for the academic year 2023/2024 on Wednesday.

H E Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambosaidi, Undersecretary of Education in MoE, presided over the launch ceremony.

The award, which celebrates excellence in school innovation, was instituted in collaboration with Omani Indian Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO).

In his address, H E Ambosaidi expressed optimism, saying, “This award aims to foster creativity and uplift the standard of education. Having originated in South Sharqiyah governorate, it’s now a nationwide initiative. The competition is held in four main categories, each with specific criteria. Designed to engage all educational institutions, we hope to see significant participation from schools across the sultanate.”

Explaining the award’s vision, mission and values, Nasser al Siyabi, Head of Competitions and Awards Department at MoE, emphasised its alignment with Oman Vision 2040’s educational goals and its efforts to enhance school management, while elevating students’ academic achievements.

The award focuses on four areas:

Administrative organisation, which involves school councils, committees, safety protocols and discipline.

Strategic planning encompasses leadership effectiveness and overarching school plans.

Community partnership involves engaging parents and connecting with local community institutions.

And performance quality gauges development of staff performance and students’ academic achievement.

The award is given at the governorate and national levels.

At the governorate level, the first place winners receive RO2,000, RO1,500 for the second and RO1,000 for the third place winner.

At the national level, winners receive RO5,000, RO4,000 and RO3,000 for first, second and third place respectively. Additionally, there are three incentive prizes, each of RO1,000 and four creativity shields, each worth RO2,000, recognising exceptional achievements in each competition category.

The OMIFCO School Innovation Award, held biennially, honours top-performing government schools. It champions strategic planning, administrative prowess, performance quality and community engagement. By emphasising precision and data-driven strategies, the award seeks to motivate schools towards integrated planning, exemplary performance and impactful community partnership.