HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal patronize the Closing Ceremony of EDU-SYRIA I Project
Amman, July 6, 2021 – On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan patronized the Closing Ceremony of the first project of the EDU-SYRIA / EDU-JORDAN Scholarship programme, which the European Union funds through the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) and the European Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis (Madad Fund), and managed by the German Jordanian University
In her keynote speech, Her Highness noted during the virtual ceremony, which was organized by the German Jordanian University, the importance of this programme and highlighted the significant achievements the programme has accomplished since its launch in 2015, such as graduating 700 male and female students with high qualifications that enable them to enter the labor market.
Her Highness also stressed that the balance between researchers from refugees and the host community is a key to the success of this programme and emphasizes the common interest in exploiting the opportunities available in times of adversity.
Her Highness added about the importance of embracing future generations and providing them with the necessary support, saying, “To ensure a secure future for future generations, we must do everything within our power to embrace an entire generation of humanity burdened with challenges that are not of its making.”
Her Highness also said that we must never underestimate the vital importance of granting higher education scholarships to young generations, especially in the midst of the Syrian crisis, noting that education is often regressed due to wars, migration, famine, natural disasters or even other man-made causes, good education will eventually lead to rebuild and revitalize. “We all understand that providing high-quality education to refugees is essential so that this crisis does not determine their entire lives, they deserve an opportunity to achieve their potential. We seek to provide a supportive environment to create a positive future for the next generation of young people that will enrich our shared global future.”
Her Highness emphasized Jordan’s primary role in embracing the mission of education for refugees and underprivileged Jordanians, noting that Jordan currently provides educational services to about 145,000 Syrian children and youth; 20,000 of them live in refugee camps, while the rest attend public schools.
In conclusion, Her Highness extended her thanks and appreciation to the German Jordanian University for its leadership of this programme and to its partners Yarmouk University, Zarqa University and Luminus Technical University College. She also thanked the European Union for its enlightened financing of the project.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Mamoun Al-Dabai, in a speech he delivered on behalf of His Excellency the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abu Qadis, stated that Jordan is an example to be followed for all countries of the world over the past few years in hosting refugees, and providing means of safety and security, stressing that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will do its utmost to ensure quality, equitable and comprehensive education for all refugees residing in Jordan, regardless of their nationality or gender, in addition to enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for all of them. “We are fully prepared to provide all the needed support to the European Union to move forward with its activities in Jordan.
Ambassador of the EU to Jordan, H.E. Maria Hadjitheodosiou, stressed, “Our commitments remain the same since the beginning – to help ensure the education of a generation of displaced Syrians through predictable, multi-year funding, with solid partnerships. Education remains a key area for our engagement because we believe firmly that education and knowledge are a vital part of living in dignity and the key to shaping a better future.”
H.E. Hadjitheodosiou highlighted that “The EDU-SYRIA programme “progressively adapted to best match the needs of vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees. The last phase of the programme implemented by a consortium of Jordanian universities, colleges, and international NGOs, displays valuable developments regarding bridges to be built between the higher education system and the labor market.”
The President of the German Jordanian University, Prof. Manar Fayyad, pointed out that the EDU-SYRIA programme is a success story for the university because it gives young Syrian refugees and underprivileged Jordanians the hope to complete their studies and build their future as the first project has graduated 397 students in various degrees and majors. The total number of graduates of the program is 1286 students so far.
Dr. Fayyad valued the support of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan for the program, in addition to the European Union, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and all the program’s partners for their role in making it a success and achieving the education message in improving the quality of life in response to the directives of His Majesty. King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein.
The EDU-SYRIA / EDU-JORDAN Programme Manager; Dr. Dhiah Abou Tair, presented the achievements of the four projects in the programme; where provided 3000 scholarships for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians who are beneficiaries of the local aid funds. These scholarships aim to pursue higher education (bachelor’s or master’s), vocational education, technical training, or a professional diploma in teacher education. The programme also provides training in entrepreneurship support programmes, labor market preparatory courses, and summer programmes for high school students.
EDU-SYRIA / EDU-JORDAN Programme is a consortium of 9 local and international partners: the German Jordanian University (consortium leader), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Dutch Organization for Internationalisation in Education (Nuffic), the Queen Rania Teacher Academy, the Jordan University of Science and Technology, Yarmouk University, Mutah University, Zarqa University and Luminus Technical University College. The consortium also includes four local aid funds: the National Aid Fund, Al-Aman Fund, Zakat Fund and Tkiyet Um Ali.
