Jordan, Palestine collaborate on educational initiatives for Gaza students

AMMAN — Palestinian Minister of Education and Higher Education Amjad Barham on Thursday met with the Jordanian Ambassador to Palestine Issam Budour over enhancing cooperation in support of the Palestinian education sector, with a particular focus on Gaza, which has been facing a “genocide” for over a year.

Talks during the meeting, held at the ministry's headquarters in Ramallah, focused on strategies to sustain education in Gaza to ensure that students can continue to learn despite the difficult conditions caused by the ongoing aggression of the Israeli occupation on the coastal enclave.

Barham stressed the need for continued cooperation between Jordan and Palestine to support both the general and higher education sectors, expressing his appreciation for Jordan's significant role in supporting the Palestinian community, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

He also briefed Budour on efforts to support education in Gaza, including the launch of virtual schools, the establishment of education centres in displacement camps, and the organisation of a special high school exam session for Gaza students. 

He also highlighted the transition of Gaza's universities to online education to ensure continuity of learning, and the ministry's initiatives to facilitate the enrolment of some Gaza students as visiting students at universities outside the war-torn Strip.

The minister underlined ongoing efforts with partners to support education in Gaza, despite the several obstacles posed by the occupation and its continued aggression.

Budour reiterated Jordan's unwavering support for Palestinians' right to self-determination, stressing the Kingdom's commitment to standing up for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Jordan will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and support, including educational support, to ensure that students in Gaza can continue pursuing their education and secure a better future despite the current challenges, Budour added.