'Campaign reduces verbal, physical violence in schools'

AMMAN — Verbal and physical violence in the country’s schools dropped between 2009 and 2014 following the implementation of a nationwide campaign that seeks to reduce violence against children.

The "Ma’An" ("Together") campaign, launched in 2009 by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, helped reduce the incidence of verbal violence from 44.8 per cent in 2009 to 25.4 per cent in 2014, according to the UN agency.

Figures sent to The Jordan Times this week also demonstrated that the incidence of physical violence dropped from 40.3 per cent in 2009 to 15.8 per cent in 2014.

In 2007, a survey showed that 71 per cent of children were subjected to verbal abuse by teachers and school principals, 70 per cent by their parents/legal guardians, and 38 per cent by adults in the community.

The study also revealed wide acceptance of corporal punishment among families, who saw it as an effective tool for disciplining children.

These survey findings prompted UNICEF and the Ministry of Education to embark on a national campaign in 2009 to reduce violence against children in all schools in Jordan, including schools managed by UNRWA and the Military Education Directorate.

During the 2014-15 school year, several initiatives are being implemented to accelerate the Ma’An Campaign, according to UNICEF.

The UN agency added that over 16,000 advocacy group members are receiving training in 2,000 schools in the northern and central regions, where there is a higher concentration of Syrian refugees.

However, in order for the Ma’An campaign to achieve its desired results, its activities should be continuous, UNICEF said, adding that it requires an estimated $1 million per year to effectively support the initiative.

The Ministry of Education has committed its support to Ma’An Campaign until 2017 and further with the aim of ending violence against children in schools in Jordan, according to UNICEF.