Academy for Educational Development

In an effort to achieve substantial growth and meet the new demands of the global economy, the government of Jordan is reforming its education system from the early childhood stage through primary and secondary school.  The new initiative seeks to prepare youth to use technology for innovation and compete at a higher level.









Working with the Ministry of Education, the AED Global Education Center is implementing two of the plan’s components: improving access to quality early childhood education and providing youth with essential information and communications technology skills to compete in a wide range of professions in the global marketplace.









With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, AED is renovating kindergarten classrooms, providing teacher professional development, and revising the kindergarten curriculum so that more children can have the best chance to learn in their early years.











“We have seen changes in policy and practice that will have positive benefits for students at all levels of education in Jordan,” said William Darnell, who directs the project in Jordan.










In addition to ensuring children get the best possible start in life, the Education Reform for the Knowledge Economy Support Project focuses on preparing youth to lead Jordan effectively in the technology-based economy of the 21st   century.  The project seeks to build students’ skills in technology, communications, e-commerce, e-business, and other critical areas. 









AED is assisting the Ministry of Education in placing a new focus on innovation by building the infrastructure to support technology in schools, training teachers to use and integrate technology in their classrooms, developing e-learning tools, and focusing on school-to-career transition.   For example, students simulate e-commerce on the Web and gain real-world work experience through internships and job shadowing with local businesses.  Teachers have also participated in internships with local businesses so they can better understand the skills students will need in the workplace.










According to Darnell, “These tools are making students and teachers critical thinkers and lifelong learners who not only can use various technologies, but also can have business competencies to support the economic development of Jordan.”







AED is also working to increase parent and community participation in schools and to develop campaigns that heighten awareness about the importance of early childhood education, technology, and career preparedness.









For more information, please contact Audrey-marie Moore at amoore@aed.org.