King orders setting up panel to reform education

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday sent a letter to Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour directing him to establish a national committee for human resources development. 

King Abdullah said in the letter it is urgent that Jordan develops an integrated, comprehensive, strategic and well-defined system for human resources development, according to a Royal Court statement.

It should provide a clear framework for all sectors concerned with education, in line with the 10-year economic blueprint (2015-2025) and the National Employment Strategy’s executive plan, the King added.

His Majesty said that this endeavour, which should be informed by previous efforts and studies, seeks a human resources development model that equips future generations with tools of knowledge and education, as well as excellence and innovation. 

“We want our youth to be qualified and capable to compete effectively at national, regional and international levels,” the King said.

Following is the official translation of His Majesty’s letter to Ensour:

In the Name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Your Excellency
Dr Abdullah Ensour,

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you,

It is my pleasure to convey to you and your Cabinet my greetings and best wishes for further success in realising national aspirations for greater progress, development and modernisation.

Your Excellency,

Our belief that the Jordanian citizen is the centre of our development process remains constant. Hence, our keenness is to invest in our citizens’ education and training to create a generation of forward-looking young people, who are equipped with the skills necessary to analyse, innovate and excel. 

Ultimately, we seek a generation of youth aware of their rights and responsibilities as well as eager to contribute positively towards their country’s economic, social and political development.

It is worth noting that developing an integrated educational system requires full and swift implementation of existing programmes and plans, which are in line with best international standards and practices. 

It also requires the development of human resources, according to a framework that ensures synergy between programmes and goals. 

This comprehensive approach gives priority to vocational and technical training as well as improving university education, with the aim of enhancing the outputs, quality and efficiency of education.

It is, therefore, urgent that Jordan develops an integrated, comprehensive, strategic and well-defined system for human resources development. 

It should provide a clear framework for all sectors concerned with education, in line with the 10-year economic blueprint (2015-2025) and the National Employment Strategy’s executive plan. 

This endeavour, which should be informed by previous efforts and studies, seeks a human resources development model that equips future generations with tools of knowledge and education, as well as excellence and innovation. 

We want our youth to be qualified and capable to compete effectively at national, regional and international levels.

Cooperation across the board is key, particularly from the private sector and civil society organisations, in order to develop Jordan’s most vital sector, education. Achieving this goal brings opportunities for Jordanian youth and unleashes their potential.

Therefore, the government should establish a National Committee for Human Resources Development, tasked with the following:

Formulating a national strategy, from which emerges a 10-year executive plan that encompasses primary and higher education as well as vocational and technical training and ushers in a qualitative leap for national human resources development and helps identify consensus-based reform policies that support modernisation and progress.

Leading preparations for a national conference, which adopts a national resources development strategy that spans all phases of education, from early childhood until entering the job market. This strategy incorporates workable programmes and plans, key performance indicators, well-defined reform priorities, potential funding options and necessary steps for enhancing the job market. Once approved by the Cabinet, this strategy will become the long-term roadmap, guiding successive governments.

Following up on the implementation and progress of the National Strategy for Human Resources Development to achieve high-quality and tangible strides towards its goals.

The efforts of this national committee will have our constant attention and support. We expect the government and all its institutions to do their utmost to execute programmes emerging from this strategy, and enable this committee to carry out its tasks, achieve measurable results that positively reflect development and serve the country and its people well.

May God grant us all success in fulfilling the aspirations of our faithful people, building our precious Jordan and help you to achieve success in this noble mission.

Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you,

Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein

Amman, Jumada II 3, 1436 Hijri

March 24, 2015