Omani Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs Delegation Explores Al-Azhar’s Experience in Strengthening the Capacities of Male and Female Religious Leaders in Positive Parenting

UNICEF Oman, in partnership with UNICEF Egypt, organized a study tour from 21 to 23 December 2025 for a delegation from the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman, aimed at exploring Al-Azhar Al-Sharif’s experience in advancing positive parenting through religious education. The visit was conducted in collaboration with the International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research, led by Professor Dr. Gamal Abou El-Sourour.

The study tour provided an opportunity to examine Al-Azhar’s accredited training approach for embedding positive parenting principles within religious discourse, drawing on the long-standing expertise of religious institutions in promoting nurturing family environments and reinforcing shared social values.

Participants engaged in a comprehensive training programme addressing key themes such as the role of fathers in child-rearing and their partnership with mothers, the critical importance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s life and the impact of early experiences on physical and psychological development. The programme also focused on constructive family communication, practical skills for positive engagement with children and effective methodologies for equipping male and female leaders to promote positive parenting within their communities.

Dr. Farida Al Sharji, Former Director of the Women’s Guidance Department at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, said: ‘This visit comes as part of the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the capacities of Omani male and female religious leaders in the field of positive parenting, and to learning from successful experiences such as that of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. We are keen to translate these insights into practice, in ways that support Omani families, nurture children’s skills, enhance their well-being, and reinforce the values of constructive communication and social cohesion.’”

The delegation also held high-level meetings with Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar; Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman Al-Duweini, Deputy of Al-Azhar; and Dr. Nazir Mohamed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt. Discussions highlighted Egypt’s experience in preparing and qualifying religious leaders, integrating positive parenting concepts into religious and social messaging and applying best practices to strengthen their role in supporting families and communities.

This exploratory visit reflects a shared commitment to regional knowledge exchange and collaboration, supporting capacity-building efforts that enhance positive parenting, promote child and family well-being, and foster values of tolerance, empathy, and constructive dialogue.

This visit is the first step in the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs goals in embedded positive parenting principles in their work with Omani communities, drawing on leading regional experiences in this field to support children’s psychological and social development from an early age. With UNICEF facilitation, this first-of-its-kind knowledge exchange between the Sultanate and the Arab Republic of Egypt, will support the development of training programmes and educational tools that promote safe and nurturing child-rearing practices. The Ministry and UNICEF will continue to work together to apply these best practices, strengthening child and family well-being and reinforcing the values of constructive communication within Omani society.

The Omani delegation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding positive parenting programmes and continuing to develop training resources and practical tools for families and caregivers, contributing to the healthy development and well-being of future generations.