Education Ministry announces plan for return to schools

AMMAN — The Ministry of Education announced that there is a plan for the return of students to schools in the coming school year.

In a statement, Secretary General for Financial and Administrative Affairs in the Ministry of Education, Najwa Qubeilat noted that approximately 80,000 teachers have received the COVID-19 vaccine, which is 50 per cent of the ministry’s goal.

“There have been different scenarios regarding the plan for returning to in-class education given the large number of teachers who received the vaccine. The ministry is determined to return to face-to-face education in classrooms in the coming school year,” Qubeilat told The Jordan Times on Monday.

Qubeilat pointed out that it is also expected to have a blended school year, which includes both face-to-face and online education, especially for schools that cannot abide with the necessary health measures required by the ministry.

Eman Mehyar, an 8th grade teacher in a school in Amman, has already taken the first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine.

“I am happy with the government's vaccination campaign for teachers. The campaign will undoubtedly help us return to in-class education, or at least blended education,” she noted.

“I am hoping to be in class next year; I miss my students and miss being in the classroom. The whole situation is much better when teachers and students are physically together in the classroom as opposed to remote education. Students, I believe, have realised the value of school and will be very eager to return,” Mehyar told The Jordan Times on Monday.

Haitham Abu Saif, a parent of two primary school students, stressed the value of education in the school, stating that the school experience offers more than just the academic knowledge, as students of all grades socialise and interact with each other learning important life skills.

“I believe that students, especially primary school students, cannot handle another year of online education, as they are generally the most eager to go to school, meet friends, and engage with people. My children are still struggling to grasp what their teachers are saying on the online platforms,” Abu Saif told The Jordan Times.

Zaid Khlaifat, a second-year university student, expressed hope to have the opportunity of being on the university’s campus and experiencing university life. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Zaid is yet to experience in-class learning at the university level.

“I hope that the ministry allows the return of students to universities. It is very important for me and all other university students to experience campus life and attend lectures. It is also vital to be able to interact with professors,” Khlaifat explained.