How this digital garden helps cultivate values and culture in young Omanis

Observer

13 hours ago

Across Oman, a rising concern grips many parents: children are spending endless hours in front of screens, yet gaining little of true value. While digital devices offer entertainment, much of the content available today undermines our cultural and ethical foundations, exposing young minds to ideas that clash with our core values. This pressing challenge prompts families to ask a vital question: how can we provide a safe, enriching, and engaging digital alternative that preserves our values whilst embracing modern technology?
Enter Bustan—a groundbreaking solution developed by Digital Dimension, Oman's premier innovator in technology and digital development. More than just an entertainment app, Bustan is a conscious, values-driven digital platform designed to educate and inspire. Rooted in Omani and Islamic identity, it offers a captivating environment where entertainment meets moral and spiritual growth, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.
What distinguishes Bustan is its comprehensive approach to child development. It prioritises nurturing not just knowledge but also spiritual awareness and ethical values. A highlight of the platform is its Qur'ān section, engaging children with recitations by peers in a lively, approachable format that encourages memorisation and daily familiarity—transforming holy verses into a natural, beloved part of their routine.
Bustan's diverse offerings include an array of educational songs with mesmerising visuals that teach fundamental concepts like the alphabet, numbers, and colours—each infused with lessons on patience, kindness, and co-operation. Interactive stories and animated adventures turn traditional screen time into meaningful storytelling, fostering understanding, imagination, and joy.
The platform's originality shines through its locally inspired cartoons, featuring characters like 'Mazen'—an adventurous boy exploring Oman's rich heritage. Series such as 'The Letter Village,' 'Qal al-Hudhud' (The Hoopoe Said), and historical tales like 'The Omani Who Defeated the Portuguese,' celebrate national pride whilst imparting timeless lessons rooted in history and culture.
Recognising the importance of play, Bustan offers purpose-built games that combine fun with moral and cognitive development. From Mazen's Car, where children collect Islamic values, to memory games, puzzles, and creative tools, every activity fosters learning, ethical growth, and positive engagement. Whether piloting aeroplanes with Mazen or solving ethical mazes as detectives, children are immersed in meaningful, value-rich experiences.
The importance of such educational platforms cannot be overstated, especially when viewed within the context of Oman's evolving education system. According to the World Bank's recent reports, Oman has made significant progress in educational reform, aiming to make learning more inclusive, innovative and aligned with the demands of a modern economy. The government's Vision 2040 emphasises the integration of technology into education, promoting digital literacy and innovative learning methods across all levels. This strategic focus signals a national recognition of the need to equip the younger generation with skills necessary for tomorrow's workforce, and digital programming plays a pivotal role in this transformation.
Traditional education in Oman, whilst robust and comprehensive, faces challenges in adapting fully to the rapid technological changes sweeping the world. While schools have incorporated computer labs and digital resources, experts agree that there remains a gap in culturally and ethically aligned digital content tailored specifically for Omani children. According to the Oman Daily Observer (2023), there is a pressing need to develop indigenous digital education solutions that reinforce local values whilst fostering critical thinking and creativity. A stronger emphasis on digital programming that is both meaningful and culturally relevant can bridge this gap, making learning more engaging and effective.
In this context, platforms like Bustan become vital supplementary tools in the educational landscape. They not only align with Oman's national objectives but also empower parents and educators to guide children's digital experiences positively. Research from UNESCO underscores the importance of quality digital content in shaping children's cognitive and social development, especially in the digital age where screen time is inevitable. When thoughtfully designed, such platforms can enhance learning outcomes, foster moral development, and reinforce cultural identity—goals that resonate deeply with Oman's national aspirations.
Furthermore, integrating digital platforms rooted in cultural values ensures that children develop a strong sense of pride and identity. For example, Bustan's stories about Oman's history and heritage serve as educational bridges, making history accessible and inspiring young Omanis to appreciate their roots. Such content nurtures a sense of belonging and instils pride in national identity, essential ingredients for building social cohesion and a resilient future society.
Beyond individual learning, Bustan plays a key role in fostering community engagement. It provides a platform for parents and teachers to participate actively in their children's digital education, encouraging shared learning experiences that strengthen family bonds and social responsibility. Involving the community helps reinforce values and promotes a collective identity rooted in pride and cultural continuity.
Ultimately, Bustan is more than a digital app—it's an educational revolution tailored specifically for Oman's young generation. It aligns with the country's strategic vision of fostering innovation and cultural preservation whilst nurturing young minds. As Oman continues to develop its education system, it becomes increasingly clear that digital programming must be both innovative and culturally rooted to be truly effective.