MUSCAT : With schools closed for the summer, the spotlight has shifted to the role of families, educational institutions and community organisations in helping students make productive use of their free time through activities that nurture innovation, leadership and creativity.

A wide range of summer initiatives are being offered across the Sultanate, including courses in innovation, artificial intelligence, Holy Quran memorisation, fine arts, sports, scouting and volunteer work. The programmes are designed to provide students with safe and engaging learning environments while developing their talents beyond the traditional classroom.

The Ministry of Education said it continues to design high-quality summer programmes that combine education, practical application and purposeful recreation. The initiatives aim to strengthen students’ skills in innovation, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking and communication while promoting the values of citizenship and volunteerism.

The Ministry noted that programmes such as “Summer of Learning and Innovation” focus on science, technology, innovation and artificial intelligence, while the “Challenge Journey” programme enhances leadership, teamwork and community engagement through cultural, sports and scouting activities.

Officials stressed that the summer vacation should be viewed as an extension of the educational process rather than a break from learning. The programmes are intended to strengthen students’ personalities, improve social and technical skills, deepen their understanding of Omani heritage and values, and prepare them mentally and academically for the next school year.

The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with families, civil society organisations and public and private sector partners to provide integrated educational and developmental opportunities that support the goals of Oman Vision 2040 by preparing a creative, skilled and future-ready generation.

Speaking to the Oman News Agency, Sulaiman bin Hamid Al-Jahdhami, a social welfare expert at the Ministry of Social Development, said the summer vacation represents an important stage in shaping children’s personalities and developing their capabilities.

He highlighted the Omani family’s central role in creating balanced holiday schedules that combine education, recreation and social interaction, while praising the evolution of summer centres across the Sultanate to include programmes in leadership, innovation, robotics, artificial intelligence, sports and the arts.

Al-Jahdhami said completely banning mobile phones is no longer a practical solution. Instead, families should encourage balanced technology use by setting a positive example, providing meaningful offline activities and protecting children from harmful online content while strengthening their national identity and digital awareness.

He added that modern summer programmes are increasingly transforming children from passive consumers of technology into creators by integrating programming, robotics and artificial intelligence with leadership, creativity and critical thinking. He also noted that the diversity of programmes across Oman reflects the unique strengths of each region, from agricultural sustainability in rural communities to maritime culture along the coast and entrepreneurship initiatives elsewhere.

Hashim bin Saeed Al-Hashimi, a parent, said families remain the foundation for ensuring children benefit from the summer break by establishing balanced daily routines that include learning, sports, reading, volunteering and recreation.

He emphasised the importance of setting clear rules for electronic device use while offering enjoyable alternatives that reduce dependence on screens. Parents, he said, should also guide children towards using technology for educational purposes such as programming, design and research, allowing them to combine digital skills with teamwork, planning and problem-solving.

Experts say well-designed summer programmes provide an ideal platform for discovering and nurturing the talents of children and adolescents, helping prepare a generation equipped with the creativity, skills and confidence needed to contribute to Oman’s future development.

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