Glimmer of Hope project from Jordan wins at MEA PIL Forum in Marrakesh, to participate in worldwide forum in Prague

The 18 honored educators included 15 project winners and a recognized top Moroccan -host country- project. The projects were selected from 90 projects, having previously competed at national Forums in their home countries.

CADER was the main sponsor for the Jordanian delegation participating in the forum. "We believe in the abilities and innovation of our Jordanian Teachers, that's why we decided to sponsor the Jordanian Delegation attendance to the forum to grant them this unique experience," said Bahieh Tamimi, Deputy General Manager at CADER.

A distinguished panel of regional judges — including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, Nigeria, South Africa, Lesotho, Jordan, Turkey, Indian Ocean Islands and Morocco — evaluated the 90 educator projects. A shortlist of 31 finalists from Middle East and Africa were announced, and the three participating projects from Jordan were within these 31 projects.

Fifteen winning projects were announced to participate in the Worldwide Forum in Prague in November and the Project Glimmer of Hope was amongst those finalists.

Ghadeer Obaidat and Rania Obaidat from Jordan for Glimmer of Hope

"As educators, we take great pride and joy in watching our students improve their academic performance and go on to take active roles in society. To enable that progress, it is important for us to keep up with the latest teaching methods and tools, and give students the confidence to use these 21st Century skills, we were quite confident in winning, and believe that this competition is only the beginning for an educational trip full of new knowledge that will help students bring out their creative energies, all towards advancing the quality of education and its outputs," said Rania and Ghadeer Obeidat two of the awarded teachers at the Forum from Hatem Secondary Schools for Girls.

"The Partners in Learning Forum gives educators a unique opportunity to come together and celebrate our successes, and learn new approaches and methods from our colleagues. I'm excited to go back to Jordan and share these experiences with my colleagues and students," added Ghadeer and Rania.

"The annual Partners in Learning Middle East and Africa Forum in Morocco is yet another example of our commitment to, and investment in improving learning experiences, with the help of technology and trusted educators in the region. I am very grateful for the Ministry of Education of Morocco's partnership and the enormous support it has provided in hosting the Forum," said Isam Shahwan, Education Director, Microsoft Middle East and Africa. "All the winning projects from the Middle East and Africa have demonstrated the potential to transform education and contribute to the social and economic development of the region," added Isam. "Microsoft will continue to follow the achievements of these educators and support them along the way," he continued.

"Every year it is inspiring to see how these incredibly passionate educators embrace technology, helping to transform learning in their classrooms and education in their local communities. After all, ICT is an essential tool for quality education, and quality education ultimately leads to a better future for Jordanian Students," said Myrna Seikaly, Partners in Learning Manager, Microsoft Jordan office.

"Microsoft is honored to recognize the creative professionals across Middle East and Africa who are driving innovation to empower young people in the region. I wish this year's winners the best of luck in the Global Forum and encourage them to continue sharing the best practices across their countries and globally," said Khalil Abdel Massih, Partners in Learning Manager, Microsoft Middle East and Africa.

The annual Microsoft Partners in Learning Middle East and Africa Forum took place in Marrakech, Morocco this year bringing together 225 educators, school leaders and educational professionals from 26 countries. The Partners in Learning Middle East and Africa Forum is one of a series of regional forums taking place around the world. The event recognizes innovative educators who creatively and effectively use technology in their classroom to engage students and provide them with 21st century skills that will set them for success.