EDU-SYRIA Celebrates the Graduation of the First Cohort of Mental Health Diploma Participants at the German Jordanian University

EDU-SYRIA, a scholarship program funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by the German Jordanian University (GJU), proudly celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of participants in the Diploma Program in Mental Health and Social Work, held at the German Jordanian University.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, may God protect him, and was attended on his behalf by former Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, Professor Dr. Walid Al-Maani.

The Mental Health Diploma Program was implemented by the School of Applied Humanities and Social Sciences in cooperation with the Consultation and Training Center at GJU and is one of two mental health programs funded through the EDU-SYRIA project. This initiative reflects EDU-SYRIA’s strong commitment to equipping professionals, particularly educators, with the necessary tools to address mental health challenges and support community resilience.

In his speech, Dr. Al-Maani emphasized that, in today’s world, mental health is no longer a luxury but a foundational element in building healthy individuals and societies. He noted that the graduates are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-life community needs, especially in educational environments.

Professor Dr. Aladdin Al-Halhouli, President of GJU, expressed pride in the program, calling it a national model of applied education that addresses urgent societal issues. He also acknowledged the visionary support of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, whose dedication to human development played a central role in launching the program.

Professor Dr. Haitham Al-Thawabiya, Dean of the School of Applied Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted the program’s alignment with GJU’s mission to empower individuals and strengthen community engagement through practical, meaningful education.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, 44 certificates were awarded, with the EDU-SYRIA program funding scholarships for 36 of the participating teachers.

EDU-SYRIA continues to support Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians by developing high-impact programs. A second version of the mental health diploma has been concluded in cooperation with the Queen Rania Teacher Academy, and both models will be evaluated to inform future initiatives.