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AMMAN — With the aim of promoting the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup (WAC) scheduled to be held in Amman between April 4 and 20, 2018, a global initiative will launch a number of women football campaigns in the Kingdom next month. 

The Equal Playing Field (EPF) initiative designed the project to promote the AFC competition and get more women and local communities involved in the field, said Erin Blankenship, the co-founder of EPF. 

“We wanted to find a way to help promote women football in Jordan and showcase Jordan as a leader of women’s sports in Asia,” she told The Jordan Times in a recent interview. 

Along with co-founder Laura Youngson and a group of active and former female football players, Blankenship launched the EPF initiative, which has grown to count representatives in 15 countries worldwide. 

Besides challenging gender inequality in sports, EPF also aims to feature positive female role models, especially in countries where women’s participation in sport remains a taboo, and to encourage social acceptance as athletes through football. 

EPF will run some football camps in the countries which will be sending teams to the tournament in Jordan, targeting specific communities to raise awareness of the competition. 

“We also wanted to tell more about Jordan and invite one or two women from each country including players, coaches, referees and managers to do a 12-day tour around the Kingdom where they will play exhibition games,” Blankenship noted. 

The final stage of the project will be the organisation of a women football match at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth located over 400 metres below sea level, which will be the first of its kind in the world. 

“We will make our second world record for the year by organising games in the highest and lowest points on earth. HRH Prince Ali is planning to build a new field for the community which will be available for all after the big launching game,” she noted. 

EPF gathered a number of female footballers for a match at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in June, breaking the world record for highest-elevation game ever played, at 5,895 metres of altitude. 

 “There will be FIFA referees and it will be a professional standard match in Jordan. It will be the game played in the lowest point in history anywhere but if you can break expectations, break the norm that’s the lesson,” she added. 

Haneen Khateeb, who will be among the Jordanian female footballers who will participate in this project, said their initial idea was to play the match at the Dead Sea beach of but the Prince suggested constructing a football field there to benefit the local community. 

Khateeb said that, with Jordan hosting a number of leading women competitions, it has become a “magnet” for football tournaments, which will have a positive impact on the local social and sports scenes. 

AMMAN — “If teachers can’t ‘e-teach’, students can’t ‘e-learn’.” This is the idea behind the online educational platform EDaura, which seeks to help educators adapt to the new age e-learning technology to improve their teaching skills.

“If you want to improve something, you need to measure it,” said Nidal Khalifeh, the founder of EDaura, who noted that existing systems do not provide educators with detailed insights on the performances of their students.

“At the end of the course, students only get one mark; this does not reflect how good they are in every skill mobilised in the task. Therefore, it creates a problem for the government who tries to improve the educational framework, for the teachers but also for the parents, as they attempt to better understand and help their children in improving their performances,” he told The Jordan Times over the phone.

Launched in November 2015, EDaura has been adopted by various institutions across the Kingdom, including the Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA), three schools and two Jordanian universities.

“EDaura offers a convenient way to measure the learning objectives of the courses, by clearly assessing each learning goal, whether it is a matter of creativity, ethics, problem solving or any other skill,” Khalifeh said.

In recent remarks at a conference on the future of education, Education Minister Omar Razzaz called for a better inclusion of technological development in the educational sector to suit the variety of the students’ needs.

 “Through this platform, our teachers are able to follow up directly with their students’ progress, they can upload content, and have a space where they can discuss and reflect on the courses’ items,” said Mai Hijazi, education technology at QRTA.

“In our public schools, teachers are not all trained to the latest high-tech developments, so we need something simple, easy-to-use. Compared to other systems, EDaura is very simple and has only a few features, which makes it very straightforward,” she told The Jordan Times.

Through an easy-to-use, direct access to their educators through online chat, videos, among other tools, students are involved in “synchronous learning”, which Khalifeh dubbed as “the future of education”.

“Technology is not just a burden, but rather a methodology to be learned and best exploited,” he stated.

Comprised of five basic features: a course builder, a chat function, a calendar, a resource library and an assignment portal, EDaura is also available from any device through a mobile app that is backed up via a cloud based system.

“Since we implemented EDaura in our university, we noticed an improvement in students’ performances, which we believe are directly linked with the use of the platform,” said Naima Alhusban, a tutor at the Arab Open University, who said that, contrary to previous systems which required the use of laptops and computers due to their heaviness, EDaura can be easily downloaded and accessed through the students’ mobiles. 

“We have a number of students who have special circumstances that prevent them from attending lectures. Before, they could not catch up on what they missed but now, because they are used to using similar apps like Whatsapp on a daily basis, they are much more involved in the learning process and communicate easily with their tutors and peers,” she said.

“As adults, we have a big responsibility to pass on knowledge to the generations under us. Education is one of the main goals for the future of any society, so it is important to master the tools used in the learning process,” Khalifeh explained, noting that EDaura has so far trained over 600 teachers on IT skills to help them become “tech savy”. 

“Before EDaura, the educational sector had to choose between overly easy-to-use and very basic platforms or complex, bloated systems which were completely shunned by students and educators alike,” he explained.

Citing the example of the Princess Sumaya University, he recalled how administrators told him students used to be reluctant towards online learning systems.

“After one month, they realised that students were much more engaged: they spent on average 1hour per day on the platform, compared to 1hour per month with their previous system,” Khalifeh said, voicing his hope to see the platform expand to the whole region in the near future.

AMMAN — “Participating in this market helped me get exposure for my art, as not many people can come inside the camp to see it,” said Moayad, a 21-year-old Syrian artist who sold 10 of his paintings in the Winter Bazaar organised by UNHCR Jordan between December 5 and 7.

Gathering refugees and refugee supporting initiatives from across Jordan, the bazaar aimed to “help refugees and their families go through the cold season by allowing them to get substantial money by selling their products”, according to Nida Yassin, UNHCR assistant external relations officer,

Over 95 participants presented their handmade items in some 35 stalls that offered products as varied as clothes and textile items, jewellery, soaps, perfume, sweets, and Circassian cuisine, among others.

“It was amazing to see the different talents and innovation that comes out from the refugee camps, especially with the limited resources they have,” said Zaid Souqi, founder of the Orenda Tribe, a local initiative that empowers less fortunate communities through art centred projects.

“We are showcasing products by refugees of all nationalities: Somali, Iraqi, Sudanese…,” said Olga Sarrado Mur, external relations officer at UNHCR, noting that all the proceeds from the sales will directly benefit the refugee communities.

On the first day of the bazaar, government officials, ambassadors and UN Agency heads attended the launch of the market, where they interacted with the sellers who briefed them on the fabrication process and their initiatives.

Moayad fled Syria in 2016, and started painting through one of the community centres established in the Azraq camp.

“I used to paint in Syria as a hobby, but now it has given me a distraction to cope with my situation, and has also provided me with a source of income,” he told The Jordan Times at the event, voicing his hope to continue painting alongside the studies he hopes to start again in the future.

“This bazaar gives these vendors a dignified way to put food on the table,” said Yassin, stressing that “the smiles that we have seen on their faces is already more than enough for us.”

Commending the success of this pilot project run for the first time in Jordan, she said it helped attract the attention of donors and embassies on the huge potential of these talented artisans and producers.

“We had some women who made scarves mixing their Iraqi heritage with Italian fabrics, which ended up in the most original and beautiful crafts with a powerful message,” Yassin noted, voicing her hope to see more editions of the bazaar take place in the future.

AMMAN — Thousands of Jordanians demonstrated on Thursday across the Kingdom denouncing the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate its embassy to the occupied city amid calls for mass mobilisation on Friday.

Immediately after the announcement on Wednesday evening, demonstrations were held in several parts of the Kingdom, according to local media outlets.

Protesters in front of the US embassy in Amman condemned President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, burning his phots and the US flag.

Protesters chanted anti-US slogans and called for maintaining the Arab character of the holy city. 

Around 1,000 people gathered near the US embassy in Abdoun, west of Amman, amid heavy security presence, to denounce Trump’s decision.

Waving Jordanian and Palestinian flags in front of the embassy, the protesters chanted “Death to Israel”,  “Jerusalem is Arab till the Day of Judgement”, “Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine” and “America is the root of terrorism in the world”.

Meanwhile, thousands of students staged a protest in University of Jordan’s campus, denouncing Trump’s decision and demanding the annulment of the peace treaty signed with Israel in 1994.

Thousands of students also held similar protests at other Jordanian universities, including the Hashemite University in Zarqa, the University of Science and Technology in Irbid and Philadelphia University in Jerash.

Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood Association and youth groups called for major demonstrations on Friday after prayer, a statement from the association said on Thursday.

AMMAN — Jordan believes in the importance of sustainable development and its role in empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities, Prime Minister Hani Mulki said on Thursday.

In his address, delivered on his behalf by Minister of Social Development Hala Lattouf, during the opening session of “Women on the Front Lines Conference (WOFL) — MENA Chapter” in its second regional edition organised by the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF) in Amman, the premier highlighted the impact of regional crises on women.

“The conflicts in neighbouring countries have created many challenges, including the rise of extremists and terrorists as well as the occurrence of horrifying crimes such as trafficking of women and children,” he added:

“We also face the problem of refugees in Jordan including a large number of women and children, and, although it is affecting our budget and other resources, we are still committed to providing human services to the refugees. But we also call on the international community to stand with the Kingdom to help women refugees,” Mulki said.

The premier highlighted several achievements made for women in Jordan, including designated quotas in the municipality elections as well as canceling and/or amending several articles in the Jordanian Penal Code that used to discriminate against women. 

Founder and President of MCF May Chidiac said: “There is a saying that says women represent half the society, but I say women represent the entire society.”

“Women raised generations, fought for their rights to reach high level positions and are still fighting to prove their human identity,” Chidiac said, adding “I say it clearly today: we, as Arab women, will no longer accept to live under the mercy of backward mentality no matter how long it takes or how much it costs.”

She urged the participants to make use of the recent technological advancements, including social media, “to be able to convey our ideas and lobby for our demands”.

Conference Chairperson Maha Sha’er also told the gathering that the conference “would not have been possible if it was not for their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania’s support and their firm belief in protecting women’s status, pushing for their equal rights to education, political representation and success in our society”. 

Today, Sha’er added, the need for women to take an active role in the workforce is no longer a luxury but a must due to life’s demanding financial needs. 

“What’s truly alarming is that, as much as there are women in the workforce, we do not encounter many women in executive or CEO positions,” Sha’er said.

Jerome Henique, CEO of Orange Jordan, also addressed the gathering, mostly women, saying that their achievements are giving women around the world an “optimistic and sustainable future and development to look forward to, elevating their status, well-being and growth”.

“We, at Orange Group, are working tirelessly to achieve women’s involvement in all facets of what we do, from elevating their representation in leadership to empowering local women through our initiatives. As we all know, societies benefit when women are empowered,” Henique said.

The CEO added that women make up almost “a third of our workforce, where a majority of them are holding high executive and managerial positions. This percentage should be even more and I personally feel committed to promoting women in managerial positions every time it is possible”. 

During the first panel on women’s challenges and opportunities, Tourism Minister Lina Annab said that “there is an urgent need to fight the stereotypical image of women and to encourage them in all fields”.

Women in leadership and decision making positions should encourage other women to reach high positions,” Annab said.

For her part, Lattouf added that “women should believe in themselves and their capabilities and believe that they can make a difference”.

The conference aimed to promote women’s empowerment and encourage them to work for a better future.

It included different panels and sessions with leading women figures who made a difference in the fields of politics, media, art, business, and management who shared their life experiences and professional achievements with the audience.

Discussion panels covered the role of women in development and their participation in decision-making, as well as the role of women entrepreneurs in the business world and innovation. 

Last year, Jordan hosted the first edition of the WOFL, which was held under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania.

Established in 2009 by Lebanese journalist Chidiac, who survived an assassination attempt in Lebanon in 2005, the MCF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to training, research and education on media, democracy, and social welfare.

The foundation also runs an affiliated non-profit media institute that aims to foster the values of freedom of expression, human rights and democracy in media production industries by providing young professionals with state-of-the-art technical facilities and training programmes.

AMMAN — Filming of the live-action remake of Disney’s animated feature “Aladdin” has concluded in Wadi Rum, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Thursday.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, “Aladdin” is inspired by “The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night” and is a remake of Disney’s 1992 animation movie.

Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott are some of the main actors in the film, which is expected to be released in May 2019.

The Royal Film Commission spent several months preparing for the crew’s arrival, as well as presenting production services and logistic facilities in cooperation with relevant authorities to issue necessary permits and providing 150 local staff. Ritchie praised the commission’s efforts, cooperation and professionalism during the filming, Petra added.

AMMAN — Expatriates’ remittances stood at $3.1 billion in the first ten months of the year, marking a 0.4 per cent increase compared to the same period of last year, the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) announced on Thursday.

In a statement carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, CBJ said that the increase reached $12 million. Expatriates’ remittances are the main source of support to the Kingdom’s reserves of foreign currencies. 

AMMAN — Jordan’s education sector is witnessing a lot of challenges, especially with the influx of Syrian refugees that led to classroom overcrowding, Education Minister Omar Razzaz said on Thursday.

During a lecture at the Royal Jordanian National Defence College, Razzaz noted that these challenges gave way to the implementation of double-shift systems at most schools, adding that students’ transfer from private to public schools also contributed to overcrowding. 

The minister reviewed the general framework of the “flexible” educational policies, which enable decision makers to implement them easily depending on the situation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. In his lecture, Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury stressed the need for Jordan to shift to self-dependence and changes in the areas of economic and social development.

He stressed the importance of implementing the reform and development plans in accordance with a comprehensive and sustainable manner to ensure their success. 

AMMAN — Civil Defence Department (CDD) Director Maj. Gen. Mustafa Bazaiah on Thursday honoured a number of retired CDD officers, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the ceremony, Bazaiah praised the outstanding efforts exerted by the officers in serving the nation and its citizens. He stressed on the importance for the officers in service to communicate and cooperate with retirees to benefit from their experience and improve the level of their performance in all areas. 

AMMAN — Run Jordan will support the Disabled Child Care Society in Irbid by covering the participation fees of 50 people with disabilities and their guide runners in Ayla Red Sea Half Marathon 2017, under the slogan “Run for a Cause”, a Run Jordan statement said.

As part of its agreement with the Ministry of Education, Run Jordan will offer 500 students from Aqaba public schools the chance to participate in the sporting event, with the aim of encouraging youth to take part in sports and lead a healthy lifestyle.

“Run Jordan aims to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle in the Jordanian society, and as we are keen on supporting humanitarian and charitable causes in every event we hold, we established cooperation agreements with several societies that cater for children and athletes with special needs like Ajyal Society for the physically handicapped based in Aqaba,” Lina El Kurd, Run Jordan general manager, was quoted in the statement as saying.