MoCSY's Tharwa links youth and decision makers

IDRIS AL BALUSHI

MUSCAT, SEPT 24

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), represented by the General Directorate of Youth, concluded the first edition of Tharwa Youth Programme under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in Muscat on Wednesday.

The three-day event saw the participation of around 100 young people from various governorates. The aim was focused on granting youth an active voice as well as engaging them in decision-making in matters related to the projects proposed by the MoCSY. The meeting also, first and foremost, provided a platform for dialogue and exchange between youth and the General Directorate of Youth, with the goal of assessing and generating innovative ideas for joint programmes and projects that reflect the ambitions of young people in the coming stage. This plan is aligned with the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) as well as the upcoming National Youth Strategy.

Opening the event, Al Rawas highlighted that the Tharwa programme demonstrates the ministry’s dedication to empowering a new generation of proactive young Omanis who can contribute to Oman’s progress and innovation. Faris bin Mohammed al Aufi, Director of the Youth Programmes Department at the General Directorate of Youth, stated that the outputs of the programme bore a wealth of invaluable benefits. Al Aufi noted that the ideas of the youth are all more ingenious in that they go hand in hand with the upcoming Tenth Five-Year Plan (2026) as well as the National Youth Strategy.

Basil al Lamki, a participant in the Tharwa programme, described his experience as outstanding as it provided him with the opportunity to connect with senior officials responsible for decision-making, as well as interact with a diverse group of Omani youth from different colleges and universities. He added that the exchanges with graduates and creative thinkers were especially rewarding, as they enriched knowledge, fostered shared perspectives and paved the way towards achieving the event’s objectives.

Al Lamki highlighted that the programme enabled him to acquire valuable practical skills applicable to both daily life and professional settings, such as constructive dialogue, teamwork, seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges. He emphasised that these skills provide real value to young people, equipping them to navigate future changes with confidence. He added that by involving youth in such initiatives, the ministry not only strengthens their confidence, but also fuels their motivation to contribute. “When young people see their ideas and feedback acknowledged by the authorities,” he said, “it increases their enthusiasm and inspires them to collaborate and take initiative.” He further noted that these programmes form an integral part of Oman’s upcoming 50-year development plan.

Yasmine Ba Omar, one of the participants in Tharwa and a member in the Youth Dialogue Department, described her participation in the first edition of the Youth Gathering as a unique and refreshing experience. She noted that although she did not have a clear picture of the programme beforehand, she felt proud and honoured to be among the ninety Omani youth chosen to represent their peers at the event.