King calls for clear strategy to develop education, human resources

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday stressed the importance of drawing up a clear national strategy with a fixed time frame to deal with the challenges facing the education and human resources sectors.

At a meeting with members of the National Committee for Human Resources Development at the Husseiniya Palace, the King highlighted the need to enhance citizens' belief in the quality and efficiency of the country's educational system, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty, in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Rania, said the committee's agenda and vision should conform to the outcomes of the 10-year economic blueprint (2015-2025), and build on the efforts of the Royal consultative committee on education and previous studies in the field.

In March, King Abdullah sent a letter to the prime minister directing him to establish a national committee for human resources development, highlighting the urgent need for Jordan to develop an integrated, comprehensive, strategic and well-defined system for human resources development.

Proof of the committee’s success is the implementation of the strategy on the ground, and making a qualitative leap in education that has tangible results felt by citizens, the King added, according to the statement.

Panel members said the strategy, which will be drawn up by the committee, should have an executive 10-year plan that covers all education levels, in addition to holding a national conference to endorse it and obligate governments to abide by it.

Speaking at the meeting Queen Rania stressed that developing the education sector is a top priority for the positive role it plays in enhancing the level and abilities of citizens.

Her Majesty said the goal goes beyond drawing up strategies to focus on their implementation and objectively dealing with challenges facing the sector, in a way that serves Jordan’s present and future.

Wajih Owais, head of the committee, reviewed the tasks of the panel and its vision for developing the education sector and human resources in general, stressing that the panel is working on preparing a comprehensive, clear strategy.

The committee’s formation, he said, comes at a time when developing education is a major need for Jordan, due to its important role in the country’s future.

Committee members said the envisioned strategy will take into consideration all components of the education process to ensure that its success will positively reflect on all Jordanians.

They also stressed the need to reconsider educational curricula to keep up with the latest scientific and technological advancements, noting that the ICT sector and its modern tools are vital in improving the entire learning process.

In this regard, they reviewed the most important challenges facing the education sector, on the top of which is the brain drain.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour highlighted the significance of the committee’s work, adding that the government will seriously deal with its recommendations and strategy.

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan also attended the meeting.