Ministers follow up on implementation of political modernisation programmes

AMMAN — Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Wajih Azaizeh, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Mahafzah, Youth Minister Mohammad Nabulsi, and Minister of Government Communications Faisal Shboul on Wednesday held a meeting to discuss political modernisation plans and programmes.

Azizeh described the Royal political modernisation agenda as the government’s most important priority, which requires the cooperation of the concerned ministries, youth clubs, civil institutions and media, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He stressed the need to work on bolstering youth political participation, noting that regulations will be issued during the coming period related to the practice of partisan activities within universities.

He also stressed the importance of focusing on raising the awareness of youth in schools about democracy and political life through adding subjects and extracurricular activities for 10th and 11th graders.

Azaizeh highlighted challenges hindering the implementation of reform programmes in each ministry.

Mahafzah noted that a general framework has been prepared on political modernisation and youth participation, which will be implemented over a period of three years.

A scholastic subject on democracy and participation in public life has been prepared for the 10th and 11th grades, he said.

Schools will start teaching the subject at the beginning of the second semester of the academic year 2022-2023, he said, pointing to the training of nearly 6,000 teachers responsible for the subject in schools.

He pointed out that there are summer camps at schools for students from the ninth to the 12th grade, which will be implemented in partnership with many official institutions.

Nabulsi indicated that there will be a role for Hussein camps in introducing and educating youth about democratic and political life.

A number of 105 activities in various youth centres were carried out, focusing on the importance of women and youth participation in political life.

Similarly, 13 youth camps were held last year in partnership between the Ministries of Youth and Political and Parliamentary Affairs, he said. 

Shboul stressed the importance of prior coordination with the Ministry of Government Communications regarding dates of implementation of relevant programmes and activities, indicating that official media institutions will highlight  these programmes.