Children are flocking to 26th Muscat International Book Fair at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) to take part in various educational and scientific activities.
Avenue for child protection in tune with the Sultanate of Oman’s motto of moulding an ‘informed and empowered children of tomorrow’ is largely attracting the bibliophile and writers and educationists.
The aesthetically pleasing pavilion of Children First Society’ (CFS) is where one can get to know the status of children in Oman, facts pertaining to their education and development, and how well our children can be protected against real as well as virtual threats in life. Speaking to the Observer, Dr Uhood al Balushi, Deputy Chair of the Society, said CFS is an association that takes care of the issues of children and conducts awareness campaigns, training courses and other programmes for their overall protection and well-being in the Sultanate of Oman.
“We provide support and services to children of Oman as well as those who take care of the children such as families, parents, guardians, those who run child protection fronts and the like’’, said Dr Uhood who is also the founding member of CFS.
Started in 2009, the Society caters to the needs of a wide range of children and that’s the reason
we are working on online bullying, internet threats and the like.
“There are 3 different facets of children that the Society takes care of. They are education, health and culture. And as far as the Society is concerned, these three are the most important aspects of both Omani and expat children that need to be addressed.”
The OFS, moving very closely with different kinds of institutions in both government and private sectors such as Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development and the civil society of Oman, has helped a number of children and families as the emotional quotient of the children is concerned.
protecting rights
The Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC), in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), has executed various projects that underline the importance of protecting rights of individuals and upheld children’s rights and the Society works very closely with the OHRC.
“Our motto is to uphold human rights and the rights of children predominate the activities of the Society. Most importantly, protecting children from negligence and abuse is of great importance and is implemented in cooperation with various organisations like Omani Women’s Associations (OWA) and the like’’, said Dr Al Balushi.
