
Ministry of Education launches $400 million reform program
This commitment was expressed during the official launch of a program funded by the World Bank with a budget of USD 400 million.
The program aims to enhance the efficiency of educational management, improve service quality, and raise educational outcomes in alignment with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision (EMV).
It focuses on reforming administrative policies, strengthening governance, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and increasing investment in human capital to ensure sustainable results.
Mahafzah emphasized that education lies at the heart of the EMV, highlighting Jordan's investment in early education and vocational training to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of competing in the global economy.
He outlined the program's key components, including improving early childhood education, equipping students with essential skills for a seamless transition to the job market, and supporting institutional reform to enhance the efficiency of the educational system.
A significant goal of the program is to create educational opportunities for a large number of children and youth, including enrolling 25,000 students in kindergarten, achieving quality standards in 4,200 classrooms, and graduating 50,000 students from vocational education and training programs. Additionally, 70 percent of teachers and school leaders will be hired through a new competency-based selection process.
In support of this initiative, Jean-Christophe Carret, the World Bank Country Director for the Middle East Department, affirmed the organization's commitment to this crucial program, stating that it contributes to developing a more advanced and flexible educational system while empowering youth and women in the economic growth process.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Jordan News
2 days ago
- Jordan News
Royal Jordanian Reports $17.9M Profit in First Half, Reversing Previous Loss - Jordan News
Royal Jordanian (RJ) reported a net profit of JD12.7 million (USD 17.9 million) for the first half of 2025, marking a sharp turnaround from a JD27.4 million loss during the same period last year. اضافة اعلان Operating revenues rose to JD375 million, up from JD338 million in H1 2024. The airline carried 1.892 million passengers during the first half of the year an 8% increase compared to 1.759 million in the same period last year. In a statement released Wednesday, the company confirmed that its Board of Directors chaired by Eng. Said Darwazeh had approved the financial results following a review by an independent external auditor. The figures reflect improved operational performance and strengthened key indicators, as the airline continues to execute its strategic plans focused on fleet and network modernization, enhanced services, and improved on-time performance. RJ Vice Chairman and CEO, Eng. Samer Majali, said the results reflect ongoing efforts to boost efficiency, noting that the airline achieved a seat load factor of over 80% and an on-time performance rate of 89.9%. Majali attributed the positive financial performance to firm control of costs and expenditures across the business, as well as a drop in fuel prices. He emphasized that the results affirm the airline's strategic direction and its progress toward restoring financial stability. While the first half of the year is typically a low season for airlines, RJ's performance exceeded budget expectations despite the challenging regional environment. Majali expressed confidence in continued net profit growth through year-end. In the first half of 2025, Royal Jordanian also recorded major milestones in network growth and fleet renewal. The airline launched a new route to Benghazi, supporting both medical travel and tourism. RJ was among the first carriers to resume flights to Damascus and Aleppo, and it launched new routes to Washington, D.C., reinforcing its role as a key connector between the Middle East and North America. A direct service to Mumbai was also inaugurated, aimed at strengthening travel, tourism, and business ties between Jordan and India. Looking ahead, the airline is set to announce a new route to Casablanca in October, with two weekly flights. On the fleet side, Majali confirmed the delivery of seven new Airbus A320neo aircraft, with four more expected to arrive in August bringing the total to 11 by mid-month. By the end of the year, Royal Jordanian plans to complete the full renewal of its medium- and regional-range fleet, retiring older aircraft. The updated fleet will include 14 Airbus A320/A321neo jets and 7 Embraer 190/195 E2s by early next year. With these upgrades, the average age of RJ's fleet will fall to under four years making it the youngest in the region. The new aircraft offer a step-change in passenger experience, with features such as in-flight Wi-Fi, personal entertainment screens at every A320neo seat, and premium cabin interiors, particularly in Crown Class. Enhanced seat pitch and fuel-efficient engines will also improve service quality while reducing environmental impact. Majali added that three of the new A320neo aircraft are equipped with 180 all-economy seats, tailored to meet growing demand from inbound tourism and support the local economy. He also emphasized RJ's role in maintaining Jordan's air connectivity during periods of regional turbulence. Despite temporary airspace closures, the airline continued to operate safely and reliably, transporting passengers even as other carriers suspended operations. RJ also added extra flights to support travelers affected by the disruptions.


Jordan Times
3 days ago
- Jordan Times
EMV workshops conclude with sectoral roadmaps, progress review
AMMAN — A 12-day series of sectoral workshops concluded on Monday, aiming at evaluating the first phase of Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) (2023–2025) and drafting recommendations for the second phase (2026–2029). Hosted at the Royal Court, the workshops brought together approximately 400 participants, including experts, representatives from the private sector, civil society members, academics, and media professionals. The sessions reviewed the implementation of the first phase, examining strengths, challenges, impact indicators and key initiatives outlined in the executive programme across multiple economic sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The workshops sought to provide actionable recommendations for the government, which is expected to hold follow-up sessions in preparation for the next executive programme. The goal is to refine high-impact initiatives and ensure that economic sectors keep pace with international, technological and policy developments. Priority sectors covered during the discussions included financial services, water, transport and logistics, social protection, creative industries, tourism, agriculture and food security, health, education, green growth, industry and trade, urban development, energy, investment, mining, and information and communications technology.


Jordan News
4 days ago
- Jordan News
Jordan's Central Bank Governor Projects Over 4% Medium-Term Economic Growth - Jordan News
Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, Dr. Adel Al-Sharkas, affirmed that the national economy continues to grow steadily despite regional geopolitical challenges, thanks to a comprehensive economic modernization vision that redefined Jordan's approach to reform. اضافة اعلان Speaking during a policy dialogue organized by the Jordan Strategy Forum titled "Reform, Stability, Resilience: The Economic Trinity in a Changing World", Al-Sharkas emphasized the transition from reactive, short-term policy approaches to a proactive and integrated strategy aimed at enhancing economic resilience and sustainability. Key Highlights: Growth Outlook: The Central Bank estimates real GDP growth at 2.7% for 2025, with projections exceeding 4% by 2028, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects tied to the Economic Modernization Vision. Macroeconomic Resilience: Jordan's economy is backed by a robust monetary and fiscal framework, institutional strength, and a sound banking sector. These fundamentals have garnered growing international investor confidence, reflected in the declining yields of Jordan's Eurobonds in secondary markets. Growth Performance (2021–2024): The average growth rate stood at 2.9%, the highest since 2010, attributed to improvements in productivity, technological adoption, and human capital development. Investment contributed 40% to this growth, while the external sector accounted for 38%. Export & Energy Performance: National exports reached new markets, with non-traditional exports contributing 20.9% of GDP in 2024, up from 16.2% in 2016. Meanwhile, energy import costs dropped to 7% of GDP, down from a third in 2012, due to diversified energy sources and long-term gas agreements. Tourism and FDI: Despite a slight dip in June due to regional tensions, tourism revenues rose 11.9% in H1 2025, reaching $3.7 billion, with expectations to hit $7.7 billion by year's end. FDI inflows amounted to $1.6 billion (3.1% of GDP) in 2024, and remittances from Jordanians abroad rose to $3.6 billion, projected to reach $3.7 billion in 2025. Monetary Stability: Inflation was kept around 2% in H1 2025. The Jordanian dinar remains strong, supported by $22 billion in foreign reserves, covering 8.4 months of imports. The banking sector continues to expand credit facilities, with loans rising to JOD 35.3 billion in May 2025 and total deposits hitting JOD 47.7 billion. Financial Inclusion & Digital Payments: The Central Bank increased financial inclusion to 43.1% by 2022 and aims for 65% by 2028, while closing the gender gap from 53% to 22%. Digital transactions grew significantly, with over 537 million transactions totaling JOD 55.3 billion in 2024—equivalent to 146% of GDP. Fiscal Outlook: The government aims to reduce the primary deficit to 2% of GDP by 2025, targeting a primary surplus by 2027. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to fall below 80% by 2028. Forward-Looking Plans: Preparations are underway for the 2026–2029 Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision, with new initiatives focusing on digitization, fintech, innovation, and expanded financial inclusion. Sectoral Collaboration & Private Dialogue Jordan Strategy Forum Chair Sharif Fares Sharaf emphasized the need for resilient policies amid global instability, while Executive Director Nisreen Barakat reaffirmed the Forum's role in facilitating evidence-based policy discussions. The session also featured input from Nadia Al-Saeed, who stressed the importance of regulatory clarity and effective banking oversight. Topics discussed included virtual asset legislation, SME support, and public-private partnerships in navigating economic uncertainties. Governor Al-Sharkas concluded with a direct Q&A session, addressing key economic concerns raised by forum participants and reaffirming the Central Bank's commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.