Amman: The national “Towards a Reading Jordan” strategy was launched Monday under the patronage of Senate President Faisal Fayez. Reading is a key pillar in building advanced and informed societies, an effective means for intellectual and social advancement, and a gateway to enhancing communication between cultures and civilizations, Fayez told the ceremony, organized by the Senate’s Culture, Youth, and Sports Committee in cooperation with the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.
According to Jordan News Agency, Fayez emphasized the importance of such initiatives in reviving and promoting the culture of reading in Jordanian society. He addressed the audience, which included the Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Azmi Mahafzah, and Senate Committee on Culture, Youth and Sports Chair, Haifa Al-Najjar. Fayez stressed that reading is not a luxury but a necessity to build nations and people, and for progress in various fields of science.
Fayez stated that the launch of the National Reading Strategy aligns with the Senate’s commitment to supporting efforts to encourage members of society to read, disseminate the culture of reading, and develop their creative skills and cognitive awareness. He highlighted that in a world marked by rapid technological advancements and the widespread use of social media, reading remains a safe haven to develop the mind and boost awareness.
The Senate President called for joint efforts by governments, official and private educational institutions, and civil society organizations to spread the reading culture. He urged all stakeholders to devise strategies promoting reading and its significance in society and individuals’ lives. “A society that doesn’t read is one that cannot develop and keep pace with the progress in the world. Therefore, everyone is responsible for creating a reading society and spreading a culture of reading,” Fayez remarked.
Senator Al-Najjar added that the committee is working in cooperation with the Shoman Foundation, the Ministries of Education, Culture, and Youth, the Greater Amman Municipality, and other municipalities to achieve the goals of the “Towards a Reading Jordan” strategy. She emphasized the need to make reading a societal value and a part of daily behavior for the strategy’s success.