MUSCAT, 3 November 2024: The fourth edition of Namat Competition, an esteemed annual competition celebrating Omani government schools for their outstanding sustainability initiatives, concluded with great success. This year’s event underscored the growing commitment of schools across the Sultanate to environmental stewardship, inspiring a new generation of leaders dedicated to sustainability.
Sponsored by Veolia Oman, which is part Veolia group, a global leader in waste, water and energy efficiency sectors, the 2023-2024 edition of Namat Competition was organized by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) under the auspices of the Ministry of Education. The competition attracted a remarkable 164 schools nationwide, with 144 qualifying for the competition.
Following a comprehensive three-stage evaluation process, three schools were awarded top prizes for their exceptional sustainability projects, while three additional schools received special Namat Competition Awards. The winners were honored at a prestigious ceremony under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Sheibani, Minister of Education.
Since its inception in 2019, Namat Competition has engaged over 600 schools, solidifying its place as one of ESO’s flagship educational programs. The competition encourages schools from Grades 5 to 12 to form teams comprising students, staff, and a parent council representative. These teams work together to develop environmental projects that address key sustainability challenges, including water management, waste management, and energy conservation. In addition, these projects actively involve local communities, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility that extends beyond the classroom.
The initiatives sparked by Namat Competition create a ripple effect, engaging local communities by actively involving parents and residents in the planning and implementation of school-led projects. Through this platform, vital messages about environmental conservation, energy efficiency, resource management, recycling, waste reduction, and climate change mitigation are widely shared. The competition aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of education in driving sustainability.
Dr. Amor Al Matani, President of ESO’s Board, commented on the success of this year’s event, saying:
“Through Namat Competition, the Environment Society of Oman has inspired students and teachers across the country to tap into their creativity and problem-solving abilities to develop unique solutions for advancing environmental sustainability. Namat Competition has the potential to spark meaningful climate action among Oman’s student population, driving lasting change.”
The 2023-2024 edition was made possible by the generous support of Veolia, a long-time partner of Namat Competition since its inception. Veolia’s sponsorship has been instrumental in bringing the competition to life, with the company reaffirming its commitment by sponsoring both the current and upcoming 2024-2025 editions. Operating in over 58 countries, including Oman, Veolia is a key player in the water, environmental, and energy services sectors.
Erwan Rouxel, CEO of Veolia Oman, highlighted the company’s alignment with Namat Competition’s mission, stating:
“The environmental themes of the Namat Competition are closely aligned with Veolia’s core values and expertise. By empowering young minds to develop innovative solutions, we’re not just shaping the future of sustainability – we’re actively creating it. Veolia is proud to support this initiative, which aligns perfectly with our GreenUp 2024-2027 strategic program based on decarbonization, depollution, and regeneration of resources. These students are the change-makers of tomorrow, and their passion for environmental protection gives us great hope for a greener, more sustainable future.”
The winners of the 2023-2024 Namat Competition are as follows:
- 1st Place: Al Azher bin Muhammed Al Azkawi School – Al Dakhiliyah Governorate (Cash prize of OMR 2,000)
- 2nd Place: Jimah School – Al Dakhiliyah Governorate (Cash prize of OMR 1,500)
- 3rd Place: Om Dher Al Ghafari School – Al Buraimi Governorate (Cash prize of OMR 1,000)
- Namat Competition Award for Leadership and Innovation: Jmail bin Khamis School – North Al Batinah Governorate
- Namat Competition Award for Community Partnership: Wadi Bani Omar School – North Al Batinah Governorate
- Namat Competition Award for Sustainability: Al Amal Deaf School – Muscat Governorate
Notes to the Editor
About Environment Society of Oman (ESO):
The Environment Society of Oman was founded in March 2004 by Omanis representing different regions and many different professional backgrounds. The Society is the first of its kind in Oman and works by promoting conservation and environmental awareness in all sectors of society. In February 2009 ESO was accepted as a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and was chosen to represent environmental organizations from West Asia at UNEP. In June 2012, ESO attended the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (called the Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro as an officially accredited NGO as per the UN General Assembly’s decision (A/66/L/44).