In what must be a fairly innovative move the Jordanian government has partnered with the private sector, among others, to improve national education levels. Having seen the importance of a well educated populace for increased profits, which will lead to more development, and in turn even more profits, the private sector has seen investing in education as part a long-term growth strategy.

“In recent years, there has been a concerted effort in Jordan to reorganize and reform the education system, at both the primary and secondary levels. Education and growth of knowledge are seen as the cornerstones of economic growth and the concept of a ‘knowledge economy is bound with the notion of human capital. Thus, the government in Jordan is partnering with the private sector and the development sector to increase investments in the education sector to create a better workforce and thus fuel economic growth. With the increasing interest and investments in the sector, it could prove extremely beneficial to the country in the long-term.

“The new education policy has ushered in greater use of technology in schools and more academic concentration using ICT. This has allowed for greater private sector partners who are involved mainly in e-learning programs in Jordan. For example, the Jordan Education Initiative (JEI) is supported by companies such as Cisco Systems, Microsoft and others.”

Implications from SFG-ME:

“These partnerships reflect the growing connection between education and economic growth and the need to equip students with the necessary skills to contribute to a knowledge economy. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and supported by the public sector, private sector and the royal family, reform in the education sector has potential to transform the manner in which students in Jordan learn, as well as contribute to creating a knowledge economy. However, with un-employment currently as high as 13 per cent, it will be important for the country to ensure investments in creating employment opportunities and more jobs for the tens of thousands of highly educated Jordanians who will emerge in the coming years.”