MUSCAT, Dec 20 - As most schools close for a month during winter, many parents explore ways to keep their children engaged in some productive activities. That’s where these winter camps come in. Such camps thrive during such breaks, both summer as well as winter. Most of these are run in flats to abandoned villas, leisure halls and hotel ballrooms, and keep the children engaged from morning till evening. Active on social media, they claim to give the kids a fun-packed learning experience at the camp, whose fees start from RO 20 upwards. However, many are unaware of their credentials.
Most of these camps for children are illegal. Those running them are not aware of consequences in case of any minor incidents,” said an official at a licenced camp. The official said such camps are flouting all safety norms stipulated by the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The curricular, extracurricular and co-curricular department in the Ministry of Education has made it clear that teaching or engaging children in any formal, creative or learning programmes should be done with the written permission of the ministry. Any other activity for schoolchildren not in the premises of approved schools is construed illegal activity, and hence, is punishable.
The Ministry of Social Development had issued a statement earlier saying associating with children/ elders without approval from the concerned section of the ministry is legally prohibited.
The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) has set certain norms for issuing licences for holding training camps. The rule aims at facilitating rescue operations when necessary.
Most of the winter camps are run in congested areas or buildings that don’t meet required standards. Hence, rescue operations will become difficult,” said Mohammed al Handhawi, a trainer at the Fire & Safety Institute.
When it comes to qualification and experience of trainers, their depth of knowledge in imparting skills is, more often than not, below the required level, say education experts.
A teacher associated with a special school said many winter camps are run either by school teachers or housewives who want to make quick bucks during free time in their flats or at a common place. They do not realise the gravity of the situation, she said.
KABEER YOUSUF
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