MUSCAT: The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) and the German University of Technology (GUtech) signed on Wednesday a cooperation agreement to implement a specialised training programme for the employment and vocational integration of persons with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and Down syndrome.
The agreement stipulates providing specialised vocational and technical training opportunities for persons with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and Down syndrome enrolled in the National Autism Center and the Vocational Assessment and Rehabilitation Center. This aims to contribute to preparing and qualifying them to secure sustainable job opportunities through modern training programmes that meet labour market needs.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by Dr Abdullah bin Hamoud al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the MoSD for Persons with Disabilities Affairs, and on behalf of the University by Dr Hussain bin Suleiman al Salmi, Deputy Rector for Administration and Finance.
The programme aims to train beneficiaries in basic and advanced skills in operating Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, 3D printing, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), alongside developing their social and employability skills. This prepares them for integration into work environments and enhances their opportunities for transition into employment, advanced training, or entrepreneurship, in addition to building a vocational training model that can be developed and expanded in the future into other professional fields for persons with disabilities whose capabilities allow them to benefit from the programme.
The programme includes theoretical and practical training on vocational skills, alongside specialised programmes in developing communication, language, discipline, professional conduct and work readiness.
The under-secretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Persons with Disabilities Affairs confirmed that the agreement embodies the ministry's commitment to expanding rehabilitation and economic empowerment opportunities for persons with disabilities, alongside strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, thereby contributing to building innovative national models for vocational integration.
For his part, Dr Hussain bin Suleiman al Salmi, Deputy Rector for Administration and Finance, explained that this agreement represents an extension of the German University of Technology's commitment to harnessing its academic and technical capabilities to serve the community, and to enhancing national partnerships that contribute to achieving sustainable development and empowering various segments of society.
He stated that the role of higher education institutions extends to include active contribution to community service and addressing its developmental issues by utilising scientific knowledge, modern technologies, and applied research, thereby contributing to transforming ideas into practical initiatives that achieve a tangible and sustainable impact. — ONA
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