Muscat – The Ministry of Education (MoE) unveiled a study on Tuesday in partnership with Unicef on the Child-Friendly Education Programme, aimed at enhancing inclusive and quality education across Oman.

Conducted under the supervision of a technical steering committee comprising the MoE, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health and the Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the study assessed the effectiveness of the child-friendly approach and its alignment with the national education system.

First introduced as a pilot in nine schools in three governorates in 2012, the programme was expanded nationwide in 2022. It seeks to create inclusive learning environments that place children at the centre of the educational process, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

The evaluation adopted a participatory approach, including field visits and consultations with children, including those with disabilities, as well as parents, teachers and school leaders.

Shununa Al Habsi, Representative of Oman in the Unicef Executive Board, highlighted the partnership between Oman and Unicef in advancing initiatives focused on children and adolescents.

The session included presentations by children and youth on their experiences and aspirations, alongside a review of the study’s key findings, underlining the importance of involving children and school communities in developing more inclusive learning environments.

Hamad bin Ali Al Sarhani, Advisor to the Minister of Education for Educational Administration Affairs, said the MoE is committed to developing safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environments that ensure children’s right to quality education while equipping them with future-ready skills and values.

“The study represents an important step towards enhancing the quality of education and building more responsive educational policies and practices,” he added.

Sumaira Chowdhury, Unicef Representative to Oman, said, “Every child has the right to learn in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.”

A workshop involving specialists and members of the Arab Parliament in Oman developed a five-year implementation plan to translate the study’s recommendations into sustainable programmes, aligned with the School Education Law 2023, Vision 2040 and the 11th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).