The initiative comes in response to the Royal directives to support blended learning
Sohar Aluminum and the Directorate General of Education in Al Buraimi Governorate signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support technological education in the Governorate's schools. The MoU was signed during a ceremony that was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed bin Saud Al Busaidi, the Governor of Al Buraimi in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Saleh bin Dhiab Al-Rubaie, the Wali of Al-Buraimi, and His Excellency Ahmed bin Faris Al-Azzani, Member of the Shura Council, Representative of the Wilayat of Al-Buraimi as well as representatives of Sohar Aluminium and Al-Buraimi Directorate General of Education.
As per the agreement, Sohar Aluminum will fund the purchase of smart educational electronic equipment and devices for the Governorate's schools. This collaboration aims to enhance and enrich the educational environment, contribute to building the technological capabilities of the teaching staff and students, upgrade their competencies and skills in this aspect, as well as encourage and stimulate the use of new educational technologies in schools.
The agreement was signed by Ahmed bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al-Kharusi, General Manager of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Sohar Aluminium, and Dr Fathia bint Khalfan Al-Saddiah, Director General of Education in Al Buraimi Governorate.
Commenting on the signing ceremony, Ahmed Al Kharusi, said: “This agreement comes as we seek to implement the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to dedicate this year as the year of blended learning. Sohar Aluminum is proud of its contribution to translating the Vision and development plans in the Sultanate into reality. We hope that this step will have a clear and direct impact and contribute to achieving the objectives of the education sector, which is one of the most important aspects and enablers of Oman 2040 Vision.”
Dr Fathia Al-Saddiah, expressed the importance of this agreement for the educational sector in the governorate through the implementation of technical educational projects that keep pace with the rapid development witnessed by the world. She stated that this will be a new addition to the governorate's schools and will meet their needs in a way that contributes to the benefit of the teacher as the main factor in the educational process, as well as the learner (the focus of the educational process). Both can directly benefit from these technologies which will have a positive impact in raising the level of achievement, as well as developing their skills through the usage of technology in the school environment. They will also enhance the technical capabilities and skills of the teacher and provide a source of attraction and excitement for the learning process. Dr Fathia expressed thanks and appreciation to Sohar Aluminum for its support and funding of these digital educational projects.
The agreement is expected to cover all schools in the Governorate namely in the wilayats of Al Buraimi, Mahdha and Al-Sinainah (30 schools). It includes the purchase of interactive boards and tables, 3D printers, smart screens, overhead projectors, Learning disability tools and Robot bags. It is hoped that these devices will benefit more than 14,500 students in Al Buraimi governorate.
About Sohar Aluminium:
Sohar Aluminium LLC was formed in September 2004 to undertake a landmark Greenfield aluminium smelter project in the Sultanate of Oman. It is jointly owned by OQ S.A.O.C, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC - TAQA and Rio Tinto.