Job Discussion Forums

a.anas · Joined: 24 Jun 2014 Posts: 26 Location: Sudan

Candles,

I qualified my general statement in this way "but if one is to judge by places like UOB, then I am afraid that my assessment appears to be spot-on."

let me repeat again, any institution that fits the description of UOB as set forth in my article, then it would be an understatement to say that such institutions are not serious about education.

I know that the Gulf is rich in oil and it seems to prove to be a bane as opposed to a boon for them. but, i don't want to go off on that tangent. my main focus is on education in UOB and similar institutions.

Finally, you seem to be under the impression that I am from the west. I am from Sudan, which is a huge mess in every respect.

CANDLES · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 1:09 pm Post subject:

I don't assume anything! As you were talking about the Arab World, I was 'generalising' about the West. As far as I can tell, then, unfortunately, you haven't had very good experience in Oman, Sudan et al. Shame!

"Rule of the thumb" - (mine) never compare a person to another, a country with another! Some are dumb, some are dumber!

MuscatGary · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:38 pm Post subject:

a.anas · Joined: 24 Jun 2014 Posts: 26 Location: Sudan

CANDLES · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 5:02 pm Post subject:

MG & A.Anas,

The world is not going to change - in fact it's going to get even worse!
The perfect world that you inhabit is 'out of reach' for most.

I am a great reader, older (not that much) and perhaps a little wiser and as a 2nd career, I found teaching both Saudis and Omani falling between enlightenment and pulling my hair out. I certainly wasn't doing this for the money, but for experience, and getting to see both countries. I don't think I was being facetious or undermining 'older' teachers: I was merely stating facts that for them it's still seen as interesting, and doable, rather than running after money.

The worst culprits (students) I believe are in the UAE, Kuwait and Doha, because they think they are better than everyone else, even the teachers.

I rest my case and don't want to get embroiled in comparison (ridiculous) between Sweden, Norway to Iran, KSA etc.... It's not likely to change so why waste my breath on it!

Education, human rights, health and the infrastructure have gone to pots with these people and money, status and nepotism is alive and well and have been for centuries and will carry on even when the 'black gold' runs out.

nicole2010 · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 25

'Education, human rights, health and the infrastructure have gone to pots with these people and money, status and nepotism is alive and well and have been for centuries and will carry on even when the 'black gold' runs out.'

1, While not perfect education in Oman has gone from three schools to 1000s in the last fifty years.

2. Health - Oman has free healthcare for citizens and modern hospitals. They import a lot of the healthcare professionals.

3. Infrastructure - While lacking in public transport, the roads, ports and airports are quite functional. The roads are well-maintained and go even to remote areas such as Jebel Ackdar. They are continually upgrading the infrastructure. Dubai has great infrastructure.

4. Human rights has a lot left to be desired, but there is a labour code and it is favourable toward employees. Considering slavery was outlawed only 40 some years ago, Oman has come a long way since then. Oman has a good track record with women having access to education and jobs.

5. 'money, status and nepotism' That is existing in most all cultures.

CANDLES · Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 7:26 am Post subject:

Thank God, there are other people posting on this thread!
I was getting a bit sick of negativity!

Yes, Nicole, I know! I was talking about the Arab world in general re: apathy etc..

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

a.anas · Joined: 24 Jun 2014 Posts: 26 Location: Sudan

there is no negativity in describing a certain objective reality. when I said Sudan is a huge mess in every respect, it is an objective reality. Similarly, when I describe education in UOB and similar institutions as a mess, it is also an objective reality. it is only when we recognize what is wrong can a remedy be found. it is with this in mind that i shared my experience in UOB with the ministry of higher education, ministry of labor, accreditation authority, and financial and administrative oversight authority with a view to getting them to intervene and straighten out the mess. I am trying to turn a negative experience into a positive.

I did not compare Sudan with the Gulf because Sudan is in a complete shambles.

Finally, let me repeat that education in places like UOB leaves a lot to be desired and requires a complete overhaul

CANDLES · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 8:09 am Post subject:

So, did it work A.Anas? I doubt it!

It'll take perhaps another 20 +years for everything to change with the new generation.

I think you should move on and really hope you find a great job, wherever it is.

MuscatGary · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 8:20 am Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Actually this is even more true of the rest of the Gulf than Oman. But it will hit Oman first, just as it was the last to develop (ignoring Yemen). There are actually Omanis with a work ethic though it tends to be the older generations and there has never been obscene amounts of oil income. The biggest issue at that time will likely be the lack of a Sultan who is able to pull the country together...

VS

a.anas · Joined: 24 Jun 2014 Posts: 26 Location: Sudan

I hope the ministry of higher education won't hush up the problems of UOB after they have been brought into sharp focus.

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:03 am Post subject:

CANDLES · Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:29 am Post subject:

MOHE has a 'palace' full of complaints about UOB....from the time it opened up! Embarassed