Muscat – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY) unveiled an ambitious plan to back 59 youth initiatives in 2024 on Wednesday. This comprehensive support will encompass cognitive, logistical and financial assistance, aiming to impact the lives of 12,065 young individuals across various governorates in the sultanate. The selected projects were chosen by an evaluation committee using criteria set through electronic registration on the ministry’s website, ensuring a transparent and inclusive selection process.

Hilal bin Saif al Siyabi, Director General of Youth Directorate, emphasised the importance of supporting youth initiatives to strengthen collaboration between the ministry and the youth sector. This support aims to develop and enhance initiatives that are crucial for cultivating the skills and capabilities of young people while benefiting the community. The initiatives are designed to help youth provide innovative solutions, prepare for leadership roles and foster healthy competition.

To qualify for the support, young Omanis were required to apply presenting their youth initiatives. Applicants needed to complete an electronic form detailing the project, including its activities, duration and location, and a work plan outlining the procedural steps for implementation.

Selection guidelines stated that the project should prioritise community service over financial gain, adhere to the laws and regulations of the sultanate, and avoid content that incites conflict or illegal activities. The project topic should also align with the ministry’s goals and complement its existing initiatives.

Among the projects MCSY will support are Fatima al Mukhaini’s Carbon Initiative focused on addressing climate change and environmental degradation by raising awareness and educating young people about combating environmental pollution. Shamsa al Salami’s Edraak Initiative aims to promote science and knowledge of financial technology. Sulaiman al Salhi’s Technology Pioneers Initiative is dedicated to training young people in artificial intelligence, preparing them for future technical challenges. Asma al Khaifia’s I Can Initiative supports individuals with hearing disabilities in the field of entrepreneurship.

Other projects chosen for support by MCSY include the Secrets of Voluntary Giving Initiative by Ahmed al Aufi, which raises awareness on children with autism spectrum disorders and provides guidance on effective support and interaction; and Wishes Initiative of Hajar al Muqbali, which manages and presents specialised programmes and sustainable development projects.

Additionally, Ahmed Amer’s Industrial and Technical Rehabilitation Initiative offers specialised training in industrial engineering and programmable logic controllers for recent graduates and engineers; Hamda Nasser al Maamari’s Saleef Initiative focuses on educating the community about the significance and types of antiquities in the sultanate; and Rehab al Mukhaini’s Investment and Youth Initiative encourages young people to pursue independent work and investment opportunities, promoting self-reliance under the slogan ‘Learning a Useful Profession’.