Muscat: The Ministry of Education welcomed a delegation from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), part of the Chinese Ministry of Education, to discuss the development of Chinese language education in Oman.

According to Oman News Agency, the delegation, led by Hu Zhiping, Deputy Director of CLEC, aimed to enhance cooperation in teaching Chinese in Omani public schools. Dr. Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, met with the Chinese delegation to explore the development and exchange of expertise in Chinese language education. He emphasized the Ministry's dedication to incorporating languages of scientific and economic importance into the curriculum in schools located in Muscat and A'Dakhiliyah Governorates.

The cooperative efforts with Chinese educational institutions were highlighted, with a focus on the exchange of visits among teachers, students, and officials to support Chinese language education programs. The visit program included an evaluation of the implementation of Chinese language education as an elective subject in four public schools situated in Muscat and A'Dakhiliyah Governorates. Field visits to these schools were conducted to observe the school infrastructure, educational system, and teaching mechanisms adapted for the Omani context.

Salim bin Mohammed Al Kharousi, Director of the Department of Humanities Curriculum Development, stated that the Ministry plans to introduce Chinese as an elective subject for 11th and 12th graders starting in the 2025/2026 academic year. This initiative aims to equip students with the skills to learn a globally prevalent language, opening up opportunities in the job market and for scholarships.