Amman, Sept. 3 (Petra) — Social Development Minister Wafa Bani
Mustafa and Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken discussed
Thursday expanding cooperation on social protection, disability
inclusion, civil society, and the government’s social development
priorities.

Bani Mustafa said cooperation could support priority initiatives
under Jordan’s 2025-2033 National Social Protection Strategy, the
2022-2033 Economic Modernisation Vision, and related national plans.

She reviewed ministry programs aimed at empowering persons with
disabilities, developing vocational and technical training linked to
labor market needs, and expanding partnerships with the private
sector to provide inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities.

Bani Mustafa also outlined work with the Higher Council for the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities to develop an institutional seal
for disability-friendly organizations, aimed at encouraging
accessibility, inclusion, and inclusive workplaces and services.

She highlighted the ministry’s gradual transition from institutional
care toward alternative accommodation, family-based care, and
inclusive community services. The government-run Al-Amal Center in
Russeifa has been converted from a residential care facility into an
inclusive day-service centre as part of a plan to advance this model
by 2027.

The ministry also plans to expand family integration, inclusive day
centers, and fixed and mobile early-intervention units for persons
with disabilities.

On digital transformation, Bani Mustafa said the ministry is
developing systems including the Jordan Social Registry, a social
early-warning system, the “Aoun” donations platform, a unified
financing window, and orphan sponsorship services, alongside greater
electronic oversight of residential care facilities and automation of
services.

She also discussed continued cooperation with the Ford Foundation on
classifying civil society associations and the possibility of
supporting the development of the “Takamol” platform to improve data
management and integration with relevant government systems.

Gerken reaffirmed the Ford Foundation’s interest in continued
cooperation on social protection, civil society empowerment,
inclusion, and participation.

The two sides agreed to continue consultations on proposed areas of
cooperation and priorities for the next phase.

//Petra// AO