Investing in education and scientific research is a cornerstone of national progress, fostering human development and ensuring the sustainability of resources. Education is not just about knowledge acquisition but also about shaping minds, nurturing innovation, and contributing to economic growth.
A nation's advancement is closely tied to the education and research opportunities available to its people, enabling them to develop resources effectively and enhance services, production, and economic expansion.
Despite significant governmental investment in education, challenges persist, particularly in the realm of scientific research.
This has necessitated the introduction of various initiatives aimed at supporting research across all sectors, encouraging creativity, and equipping researchers with the necessary tools to advance knowledge.
One of the most enduring mechanisms in this regard is educational endowments, which have historically played a vital role in funding and sustaining education systems worldwide.
Endowments, by definition, involve preserving capital while utilising the returns to fund initiatives. This model has long been used to finance education, with historical examples found in Arab traditions where endowments supported Quranic studies, the teaching of Hadith, Arabic language scholarship, and the establishment of libraries.
These endowments also extended to covering student expenses and teachers' salaries, demonstrating their integral role in sustaining the educational ecosystem.
Oman has a rich history of endowments across various fields, including social, educational, and cultural spheres. Historical records highlight diverse forms of endowments, such as those dedicated to orphans, the sick, the visually impaired, drinking wells, cemeteries, and even cultural traditions like sweets distribution and community gatherings. Educational endowments, in particular, have held a prominent position, with allocations for schools, mosques, libraries, and scholarships for students.
Over time, educational endowments in Oman have evolved to align with the changing landscape of education, incorporating modern technological advancements and innovation. These endowments now play a crucial role in achieving the objectives outlined in ‘Oman Vision 2040, which aims for an inclusive education system that fosters lifelong learning, enhances future skills, and bolsters scientific research.
Achieving these goals requires a sustainable partnership between government institutions, the private sector, and civil society to establish alternative funding sources that extend beyond government resources to include investment funds dedicated to education and research.
Globally, leading universities rely on endowments to maintain and enhance their educational standards. Prestigious institutions such as Harvard University in the US, with an endowment of approximately $40 billion, and Cambridge University in the UK, with an endowment exceeding £11 billion, exemplify the significance of educational endowments in supporting research, students, and academic excellence.
Oman has drawn from its historical experience and global best practices to modernise its endowment system. A significant milestone was the establishment of the Endowment Foundation for Supporting Education (Siraj) in 2019.
Siraj has played a pivotal role in providing financial support to educational institutions, assisting underprivileged students, and fostering partnerships with various organisations, particularly in the technical sector, to equip students with specialised skills in emerging fields.
According to the 2024 Siraj Foundation report, 100 financially challenged students studying at their own expense received sponsorships amounting to RO 124,410. Additionally, multiple cooperation agreements were signed to support university students, including a partnership with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, which contributed RO 200,000 to benefit approximately 38 students. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to strengthening the link between education and economic development through strategic investments and partnerships.
Educational endowments in Oman operate as independent legal entities with public benefit status, safeguarded by regulations that grant them authority over investment, management, and development.
They adhere to governance principles that ensure transparency, ethical responsibility, and effective decision-making, allowing them to maximise their impact in serving the educational sector. These governance frameworks provide stability and efficiency, ensuring that endowment funds are utilised as intended and that their benefits are sustained over time.
As Oman continues to advance its education sector, endowments serve as a crucial tool in bridging financial gaps, supporting increasing student numbers, and fostering research and innovation.
They create opportunities for emerging talents and young innovators while promoting community involvement and shared responsibility. By contributing to educational endowments, individuals and institutions demonstrate an awareness of the broader societal benefits of education, reinforcing efforts to prepare future generations for the challenges of an evolving global landscape.
Ultimately, the goal of educational endowments is to safeguard and empower future generations, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing them with the necessary resources to enhance their quality of life and contribute meaningfully to society.
The continued support and expansion of these endowments will pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive educational system in Oman, ensuring that knowledge remains a driving force for national progress.
The writer is a researcher specialising in semiotics and a member of the State Council
Translated by Badr al Dhafari.
The original version of this article was published in the print edition of Oman Arabic newspaper on February 16, 2025
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