MUSCAT: In implementation of the Royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, a total sum of RO 4,073,070 has been endorsed to provide school supplies and daily nutrition, during the first semester, for government school students from Social Insurance and low-income families.

The Minister of Social Development said in a statement that the Ministry of Finance has approved the sum in coordination with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Development to enable the students to get the provisions right from the start of this school year (2022-2023).

The Ministry of Social Development said that a one-time RO 25 will be disbursed for each eligible student to cover school supplies at the beginning of the school year starting in September 2022.

Meanwhile, RO 11-worth vouchers will be given to each student (from the above-mentioned segments) to purchase daily meals. Each coupon will carry a value of 500 baisas to cover a total of 22 school days each month, according to the statement.

The Ministry of Social Development pointed out that it will transfer the approved sums for the students to the bank accounts of the Social Insurance Families, while the Ministry of Education will do the same for low-income families. The daily meal vouchers will be distributed by the Ministry of Education.

The number of beneficiaries (students from the designated social segments) in all governorates of Oman stands at 59,030 (24,665 students from Social Insurance Families and 34,365 from low-income families).

Dr Madeeha on Monday chaired a meeting of officials to discuss the Royal orders. She praised His Majesty the Sultan’s initiative, which focuses on the importance of building capabilities and eases parents’ burden on educational requirements. She said the ministry will cooperate with the Ministry of Social Development in determining the beneficiaries.

The Royal orders drew praise from walis, officials, teachers and parents. They said that the scheme will alleviate the burdens and obligations of families, and will contribute in providing an appropriate environment for students from low-income groups to start the new academic year with hard work and dedication. – ONA