MUSCAT : The programme, targeting educators and health workers in primary health care centres from various health institutions in the Sultanate of Oman, is designed to equip participants with essential skills to serve as professional trainers. It is focused on empowering parents and caregivers with effective parenting techniques and knowledge for the holistic development of their children.

The four-day training programme includes several main themes in the field of early childhood development and positive parenting, namely stimulating early education, proper nutrition, positive discipline, and integrating children with disabilities.

In addition, it will provide practical applications to qualify and enable participants to practice professional training skills and provide them with the basic knowledge and applications to work as professional trainers in the field of early childhood development and positive parenting.

Explaining the aim of the programme, Dr. Badriya bint Mohsen Al Rashidiya, Director General of Primary Health Care, stated: “It aims to provide trainees with the skills necessary to work as professional trainers in the fields of early childhood development, as they are the first front lines in the ministry that provide advice to parents in this regard.”

Dr. Bilal Al-Kaswani, Director of Programs at the UNICEF Office, called for “periodic education of parents about the aspects of dealing with the child from the health, physical and psychological aspects, pointing out that the first moments of a child’s life are important, which is known as the 1000 Days Methodology, due to its tremendous impact on the child’s future and on the development of his brain, health, and ability to learn in school.”

The Strategic Communication for Behavioural and Community Change Programme plays a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to integrated early childhood development and building the capacities of parents and caregivers in the educational, health and other fields.

UNICEF works in cooperation with government agencies in the Sultanate of Oman to build systematic national strategies, based on social and economic indicators and community practices (evidence), to promote positive behavioural changes by activating community participation and modern and traditional media within the framework of its partnership with national agencies that deal directly with parents and children.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.