Workshops empower people with disabilities

SALALAH, NOV 19
The Ministry of Social Development inaugurated a new protected production workshops building at the Al Wafa Center for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Salalah, under the auspices of Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed al Shamsi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development.
The workshops aim to enhance vocational rehabilitation and economic empowerment for 65 individuals with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities, including autism and Down syndrome, aged 14 to 45. Beneficiaries receive training in specialised workshops such as essential oil distillation, food processing, printing, paper recycling and agriculture, as well as marketing and sales skills through a permanent exhibition of workshop products.
Badr bin Farish al Yahyai, Director-General of Social Development in Dhofar Government, highlighted that the initiative promotes social inclusion, independence and professional skill development for people with disabilities. Mohammed bin Ali al Aghbari of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) noted that the project, funded jointly by PDO, Occidental Oman, Daleel Petroleum, OQ Exploration, BP Oman and CC Energy Development, aligns with Oman Vision 2040 by supporting inclusive economic and social development.
This marks the fourth such initiative this year, following workshops launched in the wilayats of Nizwa, Al Mudhaibi and Al Rustaq, which collectively target around 170 beneficiaries.