Students, families urged to limit Tawjihi celebrations

AMMAN — As the results of the 2020 Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate Examination) are scheduled to be announced on Saturday, officials have urged students and their families to adhere to the COVID-19 preventative measures, mainly physical distancing norms, and refrain from using firearms and excessive celebration.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh urged the public to adhere to preventative measures, practise physical distancing and congratulate students over the phone, instead of visits.

Several citizens told The Jordan Times on Wednesday that amid these unprecedented times, it is necessary to celebrate joyous occasions in a safe manner. 

Abeer Ahmad, 36, told The Jordan Times that people need to be cautious about the presence of the pandemic.

“Despite the repeated warnings issued by Public Security Directorate during the announcement of Tawjihi results each year, many people act recklessly and selfishly, putting others’ lives at risk,” Ahmad added.

Seren Al Alami, a 12th grade Jordanian student in the literary stream, told The Jordan Times over the phone on Wednesday that she would keep her celebration “simple” at home with her family.

“What I hate the most is the beeping horns and waving during Tawjihi celebrations. There is no need to disturb the public neither reckless driving,” Alami said. 

She noted that in recent years she used to see car processions blocking the roads and causing traffic jams after the announcement of the Tawjihi results.

“I hope with the ongoing virus crisis people would respect each other more and follow the rules and guidelines,” Alami said.