Reforming education has become a popular demand, Queen says

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania met with the Lower House Education Committee on Monday to discuss critical issues related to educational reform, including the importance of teacher training in raising the Kingdom’s overall standing in education. 

The meeting took place at the Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA). At the start of their visit, the MPs received a presentation by QRTA CEO Haif Bannayan on the academy’s teacher training diploma programme, and its partnerships with the Ministry of Education, as well as local, regional and international universities.

The MPs also met with student-teachers enrolled in QRTA’s training programme and attended part of their lectures, according to a statement from Her Majesty’s office. 

During her meeting with the MPs, Queen Rania said that providing quality education to every student is an obligation, not an option, because it is the most important investment a country can make in its future generations.

Her Majesty described the MPs’ visit to QRTA as a reflection of the high regard they hold for education, which affects every Jordanian citizen. 

She added that she has been witnessing a heightened sense of social awareness among Jordanians about the decline in Jordan’s education quality, and that reform has become a popular demand.

But she also insisted that an inclusive reform approach requires participation by all, because this crucial process cannot be regulated or controlled by a certain group. 

Her Majesty added that the recently launched National Strategy for Human Resource Development included comprehensive and vital recommendations, including teacher training, curriculum development, improving classroom environment and strengthening early childhood development. 

Commenting on the central role of teachers in education reform, the Queen explained that countries that have succeeded in raising their students’ academic performance have made substantial investments in teacher training, adding that Jordan lags behind in providing teachers with skills before they enter the classroom. 

The MPs, for their part, said they appreciate Her Majesty’s continued efforts in improving education quality, and the academy’s pivotal role in training teachers before and during service.

They offered to contribute with their expertise towards the academy.

On the issue of curriculum development, Queen Rania told the MPs that any changes must respect Jordan’s social and religious values, adding that Jordanians are in agreement when it comes to the urgent need for better curricula that keep up with changing times.

The members of the House committee are MP Musleh Tarawneh, who chairs the panel; MP Barakat Nimer; MP Sleiman Zaben; MP Safaa Momani; MP Mohammad Riyati; MP Ibtisam Nawafleh; MP Insaf Khawaldeh; and MP Alia Abu Hilayel.