The Jordan River Foundation (JRF) signed a partnership agreement with the European Union (EU) under the title “Improvement of the Quality of Education Through Promoting Social Cohesion Between Communities”. The project, implemented in partnership with JRF affiliate Madrasati, aims to improve the overall quality of education provided to Syrian refugee children, as well as decrease drop-out rates among them.

The project will target 98 double shift schools in host communities, and 2 schools in the Zaatari Refugee Camp, as new mechanisms will be introduced that will go on to strengthen capacities, and build on existing efforts made by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to this end.

The need for improving the quality of education for host communities and refugees has arisen from challenges faced with the integration of Syrian refugee students, garnering a sense of community, building social cohesion and the quality of education for students enrolled in double-shift schools. The project was designed in such a way that tackles the problem at the parental and community levels, to ensure all children are receiving education, and their learning environments are improved.

JRF Director General, Enaam Barrishi, has expressed the importance of this agreement to JRF and Jordan as a whole, saying “engaging with the EU on this project for the very first time is indeed a milestone for JRF; through this project we are able to synergize our efforts with our close affiliate, Madrasati, to ensure only the best outcomes. Additionally, it gives JRF the chance to cement its position in Jordan’s journey towards development.”

She continued, “it is no secret that our country is under a lot of strain due to the surrounding political and economic climates, however, by tackling problems one at a time, and by each doing their part, I believe this situation can be improved. JRF is proud to be a part of the solution, and the EU has been a tremendous supporter of our efforts, especially when it comes to the current refugee situation.”

The EU has a longstanding history in supporting Jordan with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, namely ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all children.

Commenting on the signing of this agreement, EU Ambassador to Jordan, Andrea Fontana, said that: “The EU has an ongoing commitment to support the education sector in Jordan and in total some EUR 370 million has been allocated since 2011. This project stands out since it focuses on online learning and parental participation for both the Jordanian and the Syrian communities and hence serves as a pillar of the education reform process of the national Human Resources Strategy.”

The Jordan River Foundation (JRF) is a non-governmental organization established in 1995 with a focus on both child safety and community empowerment. It provides home-grown solutions to some of Jordan’s most pressing economic challenges, as well as incorporates both prevention and intervention models for child safety and protection.

Source : Fana News