The Social Development
The Sultanate of Oman has paid particular attention to all aspects of social development aimed at improving the lives of its citizens. Since 1969 education in Oman has witnessed dramatic growth in all its aspects. The number of schools increased by a factor of 320, from just three schools in 1969 to 958 in 1998. Meanwhile, the number of students grew by a even greater factor of 565, from 909 in 1969-1970 to 514,315 in 1997-1998.
Currently, preparations are underway to divide the ten-year basic education period into two stages of four and six years, to be followed by a two-year secondary stage. The number of teachers in 1997-1998 reached 232,245. of whom the majority are Omani. The illiteracy eradication centers rose to 148, with 254 sections and 4014 students, while the adult education centres rose to 180, with 6782 students. By the 1997-1998 academic year there were 7880 free studies students.
Sultan Qaboos University, representing the top of the educational pyramid, was opened in 1986, with only five colleges: Medicine, Engineering, Education & Islamic Studies, Science and Agriculture. The Arts College was opened in 1987, followed by the College of Commerce & Economics in 1993. In addition, there are a number of government and private institutes and colleges and permission has been granted for the establishment of private universities.
State of the art health services are now situated throughout the country. There are 47 hospitals in the Sultanate, with 4401 beds, as well as six specialist health complexes and 108 health centres, of which 57 are equipped with maternity services in remote areas. There are also seven quarantines at airports and seaports. In 1997 aa 390 bed hospital was opened in Sohar, and work is underway to build other hospitals, such as the Nizwa Hospital with 280 beds, and Sur Hospital. In 1997, 99% of infants were immunised against tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio and measles.
Special attention has been paid to Omani youth with a view to encouraging them to play a constructive role in society. To this end, the General Organisation for Sport and Cultural Youth Activities to formulate appropriate programmes for the Omani youth. A new youth centre is currently under construction in Al Dhahirah. More than 12 sports federations, an Olympic Committee and more than 50 sports clubs are actively operation throughout the country. In addition, a large number of cultural and scientific clubs and centres have been established, including a special section for women's activities at the General Organisation for Sport and Cultural and Cultural Youth Activities.
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