British royals meet schoolchildren in Muscat

Prince Charles and his wife Princess Camilla, yesterday visited the British School in Muscat. The Royal couple were given a warm reception in the school premises. Their visit coincided with  the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the school in Muscat. Prince Charles unveiled the plaque of the building and the new expansion programme of the school. Meanwhile, Princess Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, visited Shams Al Ma'aarif Basic Education School in Al Khuwair. She was received by Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, Minister of Education. Princess Camilla familiarised herself with the education system in the school and visited learning sources centre and the project of 'Kids Read', which is a joint project between the Ministry of Education, HSBC Oman, and the British Council. Princess Camilla also visited the Omani Woman Association in Muscat. She was received by a number of  lady members of the Council of Oman, and Chairperson and members of the association, who briefed the Princess on efforts and role of the association, as well as its activities in serving the society. Prince Charles also visited the Public Establishment of Industrial Estates (PEIE) the Information Technology Authority (ITA). He was accompanied by Dr Ali bin Mas'oud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Jamie Bowden, ambassador of the United Kingdom to Oman. At the ITA, he was greeted by Dr Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA who provided a short summary on ITA, its main responsibilities in the  implementation of the National IT Strategy (Digital Oman Strategy) and e-Government, as well as shedding light on some ITA initiatives and its role in society. The Prince  also toured Sas Programme Centre for entrepreneurship affiliated to ITA and met with the entrepreneurs.