Netherlands’ stress on educational ties with Oman

Muscat: Educational cooperation between Oman and The Netherlands has witnessed an exponential growth, Barbara Joziasse, the Ambassador  of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Sultanate, said here Sunday.

"When it comes to Oman- Netherlands cooperation in education, we have decided to prioritise vocational education. Twenty per cent of students in the Netherlands go to university. Others go to various learning institutes that prepare more intensively for certain professions. 

They also learn on the job in a company. For some students, this is a more rewarding experience. They find it hard to be in a classroom with their noses in study books the whole day," Joziasse said. 

"An MoU on vocational education was signed between our countries in 2012 to mark an already successful cooperation. Various Dutch organisations have partnered with Omani counterparts in vocational training, transport and logistics, agricultural education, school inspection methodology, curriculum design, and also in school architecture – the theme that the Dutch delegation came to discuss. 

Language issues"Omani and Dutch get along very well and most universities teach in English nowadays, especially the ones that teach science and engineering. So, don't shy away because you assume that you need to master the Dutch language," noted Joziasse. 

According to the ambassador, human capital development is critical in the development of the two countries. It will enable both countries to grow, economically and otherwise, as well as materially. "Education enables our people to develop professionally, become active in the economy and build a life for themselves and their families," added Joziasse, who feels the Omanisation drive is important.

"I feel that Omani young people deserve our energy in supporting them in becoming qualified 
professionals. 

"Let us enable them to find a suitable job to earn their own income and to be active members contributing to their country. It is an honour for the Dutch to be part of this endeavour!," she said.

According to Joziasse, apart from human capital development, Oman and the Netherlands work together in the area of transport and logistics, especially port development.

 Trade between Oman and The Netherlands has almost tripled in three years, and the number of Omani visitors to The Netherlands has grown four fold, according to Joziasse.