Irbid, May 18 (Petra) – The Ministry of Education, in partnership with World Vision and with funding from the Government of Japan, concluded a pioneering three-year inclusive education project in the Irbid Qasabeh and Bani Ubaid education directorates.

The project aimed to enhance access to quality education for students with disabilities in inclusive and safe learning environments.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mohammad Rahamhneh, Director of the Students with Disabilities Programs Department at the Ministry, said the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s 2020–2030 inclusive education strategy. The strategy seeks to increase enrollment rates of students with disabilities in public schools while ensuring qualified personnel and accessible infrastructure.

Since launching the strategy, the ministry has raised the enrollment rate of students with disabilities from 1.7% in 2020 to 7.4% today, with a target of reaching 10% by 2030. Currently, more than 28,000 students with disabilities are enrolled in public schools.

Rahamhneh noted that over 11,000 teachers have been trained in inclusive education practices, 1,200 support teachers have been deployed, and 168 specialists, such as speech and occupational therapists, have been integrated into schools to provide comprehensive support.

These efforts, he added, are in line with His Majesty King Abdullah II’s vision to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and are grounded in Article 18 of Law No. 20 of 2017 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

World Vision Program Director praised the strong partnership with the ministry, noting the project’s success in promoting inclusive learning environments and raising awareness among communities and parents about the importance of inclusive education.

Huda Shatnawi, Acting Director of Irbid Qasabeh Education Directorate, said the project marked a qualitative leap in school integration practices and fostered a culture of diversity and acceptance.

The closing ceremony, held at the Irbid Teachers Club, was attended by education officials, representatives from the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, civil society organizations, students, and parents. The event featured theatrical and cultural performances, dramatic sketches, and inspiring success stories.

//Petra// AF
18/05/2025 20:34:19