Amman:The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, in partnership with UNICEF, has introduced a new initiative named the Schools Teaching for Learning Recovery (ST4LR) program. This program aims to enhance the educational environment for students throughout Jordan by integrating literacy and math recovery modules, professional development for teachers, early warning tracking systems, and child protection services.
According to Jordan News Agency, the ST4LR program is aligned with Jordan's Education Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, focusing on accelerating recovery in fundamental reading and math skills, improving classroom instruction, and preventing student dropouts through targeted support. The program emphasizes teaching quality, professional development for educators, and early detection systems to assist vulnerable students before they fall behind academically.
The initiative will initially be launched in 50 pilot schools, with plans to expand to 300 schools nationwide. EU representative Fabian Sch¤fer highlighted the necessity of a community-oriented approach to education, advocating for stronger collaboration between schools, families, and communities, particularly encouraging fathers' involvement to enhance male students' academic performance. Sch¤fer also reaffirmed the EU's ongoing support for Jordan's public education system and its most vulnerable youth.
Recent assessments from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) indicate progress in Jordan's core subjects. Nevertheless, UNICEF Program Director and Education Specialist Manar Ahmed pointed out a continuing gender gap, where female students outperform male students in foundational subjects, despite narrowing socio-economic and geographic disparities. Tala Sweis, Director of the Madrasati Initiative, stated that the organization will apply its field expertise to aid in the program's rollout and implementation.