WEF participants experience first-hand development of Jordan's educational system

The tour included visits to The Ministry of Education's Ein Jalout Secondary School in Amman and Iraq Al Amir Knowledge Station.

Accompanied by Minister of Education Dr. Khalid Touqan, visitors toured Ein Jalout Secondary School, where they had the chance to interact with teachers and students. The guests were briefed on the projects integrating technology with teaching, that the students and teachers have developed. In addition, the guests also visited the school's computer labs.

"Education is a key mechanism for social and economic development, and we are committed to reforming our education system and providing the Jordanian citizens with the skills and tools needed to enable them to become key contributors to the economy", said Minister of Education, Dr. Khalid Touqan. "The strategy of the Ministry of Education is in line with the Kingdom's vision of building a knowledge economy, and providing lifelong learning opportunities for all Jordanian citizens", added Touqan.

The second leg of the tour was of a Knowledge Station in Iraq Al Amir, where the visitors were briefed on Jordan's activities to bridge the digital divide. At this community access center, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Dr. Fawaz H. Zu'bi emphasized Jordan's vision for the Connecting Jordanians Initiative. The guests had a chance to interact with the Knowledge Station trainer and manager, as well as NetCorps interns who are working to help community members incorporate ICT into their everyday lives,.

"Jordan's push towards the creation of a knowledge-based economy hinges firmly on the nation's e-readiness, and its ability to leverage technology to optimise its broader socio-economic development", said Fawaz H. Zu'bi, Minister of Information and Communications Technology. "We are looking forward to building public-private partnerships in the ICT sector to further digital inclusion", added Zu'bi.

The guests also went on a sightseeing tour of Iraq Al-Amir Castle and visited community-based projects, where they had a chance to set eyes on traditional handicrafts made by community women including weaving, paper and ceramics that empower community women in supporting their families.