The Role of Education and Capacity Building in Diversification of Oman Economy for Employment..

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GRD Journals- Global Research and Development Journal for Engineering | Volume 4 | Issue 11 | October 2019 ISSN: 2455-5703

The Role of Education and Capacity Building in Diversification of Oman Economy for Employment Generation and Sustainable Development Dr. H. K. S. Kumar Chunduri Associate Director Department of Faculty Development and RCI Management Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India

Abstract In Middle East, Sultanate of Oman was one of the first countries to pursue sustainable development. The Omani government has worked for and is working since the last 40 years to transform lifestyles along new lines and principles. The success of this “Sustainable Development” applauded as a strategy and was recognized by the 2010 UN Human Development Report. Strong political commitment is needed to lead societies towards sustainability. But making this commitment starts with each one of the citizens, with right attitudes and behaviors. These can only happen through education. We need to educate today the chemists, engineers and manufacturers that the world needs for tomorrow. More fundamentally, we must educate today the tomorrow’s responsible citizens and consumers. Diversifying economies beyond oil and gas is vital. The development of tourism and agriculture cannot be based on the poor use of limited resources. The International Conference on Education for Sustainable Development reflects the long-standing commitment of the Sultanate of Oman to these objectives. Sustainable development is a bigger picture, and needs for example to build on cultural and biological diversity. In this study, the researcher makes an attempt to understand the prevailing system in Oman with possible suggestions to lead the country towards Sustainable Development. Keywords- Education, Sustainable Development, Economic Growth, Oman

I. INTRODUCTION Since the 1970s, public education provision in Oman has flourished. Almost all Omani children of basic education age are now enrolled in schools, along with a high proportion (86 percent) of those of post-basic education age. The Government of Oman has turned its attention to ensuring that the achievements made to date are not only maintained but also further enhanced to achieve a high-quality, efficient and relevant education system. This report is the result of an education sector study undertaken collaboratively by the Government of Oman and the World Bank to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the system and to provide recommendations to continue to improve education outcomes in Oman. Drawing on evidence and information from a wide variety of sources, this study concentrates on pre-tertiary education and examines aspects of access to education, quality of learning, teachers and teaching methods, relevance of education to the labor market, and the financing and management of the education system. The study offers some policy recommendations on the way forward.

II. SCENARIO OF EDUCATION IN OMAN The education in Oman has been through stages and has improved since1970 when his majesty ascended the throne. There are many tasks undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman in order to change the Omani economy. First, it has implemented plan for national education which focus on expanding educational opportunities in the country in 1976. Secondly, it has established a solid base, successive five-year plan saw Oman’s education system evolve rapidly, and this plan targeted each economic and governmental sector. Thirdly, basic education system was introduced as it aims to teach students communication, critical thinking, science and technology. After that, the future vision where all goals of vision 2020- economic diversification, sustainable development and others are linked to the quality of educational system. Moreover, vision 2040 with focus on five areas for improvement in education and training: management, quality, research and development, funding and phased enrolment is set to roll out soon. Also, aligned with industry, where Ministry of education tries to achieve vision 2040’s targets in different way. In addition, the right skills where specialists in private sector have been working with greater intensity with graduated students to ensure that new job seekers are fully equipped for an increasingly competitive work environment. Next, private investment that encouraged by the government allowed through royal decree encouraged establishment of investment in higher education. Finally, international school system which mainly serve the sultanate’s large expatriate community was instituted. The focus of Oman to change the structure of its

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