Crown Prince inaugurates school heating initiative

AMMAN — HRH Crown Prince Hussein on Sunday inaugurated the initial stage of a project to install central heating in 50 public schools, located in "extremely cold areas", using alternative energy. 

The initiative, which was launched by His Majesty King Abdullah, was inaugurated at a public school in Ajloun, 70km north of Amman.

Launched in February, the Royal initiative is a “reflection of His Majesty the King's keenness on supporting the education sector and improving school environment for students of all ages and in all areas”, according to a Royal Court statement. 

In the first phase of the project, central heating will be installed based on priority, while the government will undertake the implementation of the project’s following phases to cover all public schools and help students overcome harsh cold weather conditions.

At the Ajloun-based Ebein Secondary Comprehensive School for Girls, the Crown Prince was briefed on the central heating system and its controls during a tour of the school’s facilities. He also checked on children in their classrooms. 

The school’s principal, Manal Momani, highlighted the positive results of installing a heating system in the classrooms under the project implemented by the Royal Court. 

The Education Ministry has listed a total of 50 schools in cold areas known for low temperatures in winter, including Shobak, Petra, Southern Badia, Southern Mazar, Bseira, Jerash, Ajloun and northern Mazar. 

At these schools, around 15,000 students will benefit from the project, which, the Royal Court said, reflects the King’s commitment to developing the education sector and his relentless efforts towards that goal, “not to mention the positive impact the project will have on students’ health and class management”. 

Around 1,000 students study at the Ebein coeducational school, in two shifts, with 650 Jordanians attending the first shift and 350 Syrian refugee children attending the afternoon shift.  

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Mohammad Thneibat underscored the Royal initiative, noting that Ajloun’s share, under the current phase, involves seven schools, with 3,100 students and 280 teachers.