AMMAN — The Ministry of Education in Jordan is set to launch its inclusive education campaign titled "No Difference Makes a Difference: Inclusive Education for All" on January 23, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance awareness regarding inclusion and diversity in education, addressing various aspects of inclusive education and its social and economic advantages for individuals and communities across Jordan.
Director of Education Management Ahmad Masafa, representing Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah, underscored the ministry's commitment to integrating children with disabilities into mainstream education. He noted that Jordan has made significant strides in promoting inclusion within the educational framework, with aspirations to lead the region in fostering equality for persons with disabilities.
The campaign aligns with the National Strategy for Human Resources Development and the Ministry of Education's Strategic Plan, emphasizing the right to quality education for all students, including those with disabilities. The Inclusive Education Strategy is designed to create a culture of equitable access to education, which the ministry considers a fundamental responsibility.
Key components of the strategy include reviewing existing legislation, curricula, and teaching methods to better accommodate students with disabilities. New regulations have been established to facilitate the integration of these students into kindergartens and schools, in accordance with the Disability Rights Law No. 20 of 2017.
The ministry has also developed a procedural guide for schools detailing the implementation of inclusive education, including resource allocation and the necessary financial and human support. Furthermore, efforts are underway to enhance community awareness regarding the rights of persons with disabilities and the benefits of inclusive education.
Accessibility remains a priority, with plans to adapt school infrastructure to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The ministry aims to ensure that educational facilities are free from physical barriers and equipped with the necessary resources.
Masafa emphasized the importance of expanding the concept of inclusion to encompass other marginalized groups, reinforcing the need for ongoing investment in disability inclusion across various regions. The ministry is committed to coordinating efforts to achieve greater diversity in education, which will be reflected in its policies and initiatives.
This campaign, supported by the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the "Promoting Quality in Inclusive Education in Jordan Project," represents the second phase of an initiative that began in 2020, focusing primarily on schools.