Illiteracy rate in Jordan drops to 4.9 percent, says Education Minister

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Azmi Mahafzah, stated that the illiteracy rate has decreased to 4.9 percent, with a breakdown of 2.4 percent among males and 7.3 percent among females.

Mahafzah added that the number of adult education and literacy centers reached 162 centers, opened for the academic year 2022/2023, including 137 centers for females and 25 centers for males. These centers enrolled 1,896 learners, consisting of 1,544 female learners and 352 male learners. He emphasized that the ministry provides study materials for learners free of charge.

He pointed out that education is a renewable resource that contributes to supplying society with trained and qualified human resources, serving as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development. It is also an effective tool that enhances individuals' capabilities, enables them to benefit from training and employment opportunities, improves their job performance, increases their productivity, and raises their income.

These remarks were made during his speech on the occasion of the celebration of the Arab Literacy Day, observed on Jan. 8, as established by the Arab Organization for Education, Culture, and Science through the Arab Literacy and Adult Education Agency. He added that Jordan, recognizing the severity of the illiteracy problem as an obstacle to comprehensive societal development, emphasizes the active role of official and non-official ministries, institutions, and media in eradicating illiteracy. The country annually participates with other Arab nations in celebrating Arab Literacy Day, conducting awareness campaigns about the importance of education and the risks of illiteracy.

Adult education, literacy program

Mahafzah also noted the importance of adult education programs in the field of literacy, and enhancing opportunities for continuous learning and training for members of society. Consequently, the Adult Education and Literacy Program were incorporated into the priorities of the executive program for the Economic Modernization Vision. The Ministry of Education has opened centers for adult education and literacy, expanding them to cover all regions of the Kingdom, providing educational opportunities for citizens whose circumstances hinder their continued learning.

The ministry acknowledges the risks of dropout and its consequences in contributing to illiteracy. Emphasizing the importance of achieving the principle of education for all, the ministry implemented a cultural enrichment program for dropouts. This initiative included the opening of 204 cultural enrichment centers for dropouts, attracting approximately 4020 learners. Additionally, the ministry executed a remedial education program aimed at providing education for children aged 9-12 who are outside the formal education system. This effort led to the establishment of 76 centers, with 1378 learners enrolled.

Review, evaluation of adult education programs' activities

As part of the ministry's commitment to the continuous review and improvement of adult education programs, a thorough evaluation of activities within the framework of the annual review of the strategic plan for the Ministry of Education (2018-2025) is underway. Based on the results of the annual review of the ministry's strategic plan, a draft of the National Framework for Adult Education has been prepared. The aim is to link the paths of adult education with vocational and technical education and training according to the needs of the labor market. This involves designing programs, projects, educational and training initiatives focusing on literacy, vocational, and health literacy, while enhancing coordination and collaboration between ministries and institutions involved in providing adult education services.

The minister highlighted that the ministry is currently working on reviewing and developing the regulations governing the adult education program. The objective is to enhance continuous education for adult learners, expanding opportunities in the fields of vocational and technical education and training in alignment with their skills and experiences, reflecting the needs of the job market and available employment opportunities.

Mahafzah said that by extending an invitation from the Ministry of Education to those who haven't enrolled in school due to their specific circumstances. They are encouraged to join various programs offered by the ministry in non-formal education according to their needs. Those who have not attended school can enroll in adult education and literacy centers. Students who left school for reasons beyond their control can join cultural enrichment centers for dropouts or remedial education centers. They can also continue their studies through the home study program, aligning with Jordan's educational policies, aiming to realize the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah, emphasizing the importance of developing human resources as invaluable cognitive capital.