Omantel offers financial aid to Al-Wafa centers in Salalah, Mirbat, Taqah

Officials of these centers in the Wilayats (provinces) of Salalah, Taqah and Mirbat in Dhofar Governorate received the amounts. Omantel, represented by officials of the Corporate Social Responsibility Department, visited the region to get an idea of the programmes provided by Al Waafa social centers, and acquaint themselves with all programmes targeting handicapped children. They then offered financial support as a contribution from the company for meeting their requirements.

Salalah

Omantel team visited the Social Development Centre in Salalah. The Head of Social Care Section at Social Development Department in Salalah Mr. Said Bin Ahmed Bin Gam'an Saidan received the financial aid provided by Omantel. He expressed appreciation to this step, which would help finance the programmes of the center during the next stage. Mr. Said Bin Ahmed said he is pleased with the initiative of the Omantel, which continues to sponsor and support various events in the country. He indicated that such initiatives play an important role in strengthening social and voluntary work. He further said that these actions require full cooperation from various institutions from the private and public sectors alike. He added that the private sector in particular has an important role to play in disseminating the concept of integration between public and private sector institutions as well as providing the requirements of these social centers.

The head of Social Care thanked Omantel for its efforts and its role in community service and development. He said that this support would help satisfy the needs of the centre including the purchase of basic equipment to help the center perform its duties. He noted that the center is one of the largest of its kind in the Sultanate and that provides services to more than 230 children and has 45 female volunteers. He added that Omantel is pioneering in this aspect.

Taqah

Omantel has also provided financial aid to Al-Wafa Center in Taqah. Director of Social Development Department in the Wilayat of Taqah Salem Bin Ali Bin Suhail Al-Mash'ani received the amount from Omantel representative.

Mr. Salem Al-Mash'ani expressed appreciation for Omantel's move, adding that this support would help in financing the basic needs of the centre. He said the centre implements several programmes and has large number of children who are served by 16 female volunteers. He noted that the center began to offer its services in the community as early as in 1991.

He added, "We hope other companies follow Omantel's suit and embark on similar initiatives because this segment of the society needs the support of all. All companies should accord special attention to their corporate social responsibility role." Similar centers, he indicated, need to invest in projects to secure fixed income and support their programmes.

Mr. Salem Al-Mash'ani reiterated that Omantel's initiative would contribute in the creation of a partnership between the community and the company. He hoped that the culture of giving would continue, adding that companies should sponsor volunteer rehabilitation programmes and qualify them in accordance with the requirements of the center.

Mirbat

Omantel has also provided financial aid to Al Waafa Social Centre in Mirbat. The Deputy Director of Development at Mirbat Ahmed Bin Aslam Bin Ahmed Al-Shahry received the amount. He thanked Omantel for its efforts and tangible support for one of the most important segments of the society that needs training and rehabilitation to play its role in the society.

He pointed out that this financial aid provided by Omantel would help in buying medicines, and some necessary equipment and basic needs. He added that the center provides services to large number of children through 12 female volunteers

Mr. Ahmed Al-Shahri added that this initiative adds to the credit of Omantel and will have positive impact on the society and on the company, which seeks to strengthen its role in serving the society through allocating part of its profits to help the needy.

Joint responsibility

Meanwhile, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Omantel Ali bin Rashed Al Mata'ni said:

"This donation to Al Waafa Social Centres in Dhofar Governorate was part of the company's responsibility towards the society. It also comes in support of the institutions that provide such great services to various segments of the society, which deserve attention and care from the part of all countries working in the country."

He added that Omantel shoulders its social responsibilities at several levels. It offers its services to the society being an indispensable part thereof. These responsibilities include the provision of support to charitable organisations and Al Waafa social centres that play a vital role in looking after large numbers of those who need help and support.

He added that Omantel would spare no effort in supporting these segments, institutions and charitable associations in order to help them play their role, shoulder their responsibilities, and perform their noble message.

He pointed out that the visits paid by Omantel to various social centers aim at knowing the nature of their work, and their future needs. He indicated that the Corporate Social Responsibility Department would conduct the necessary studies in this respect.