Jordan National Arabic literacy strategy 2023-2028
In light of the achievements made by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in collaboration with the RAMP project, which encompassed various aspects of early education, such as enhancing literacy skills, refining supervision and teaching methods for reading and math, implementing effective learning assessments, and developing supportive educational materials, the MOE sought to integrate these gains into a comprehensive roadmap to further enhance literacy skills and align with the objectives of the national strategy for human resource development.
The Ministry of Education is committed to creating a coherent vision aimed at significantly elevating Arabic literacy standards for students in KG2 to Grade 6. This vision is manifested in an evidence-based literacy reform strategy owned by Jordan and slated for implementation over a five-year period.
Given the complexity of this endeavor, collaboration among multiple interconnected national teams was essential. To that end, the MOE established a National Task Force, chaired by the Minister of Education and comprised of influential figures from the public and private sectors who could bring this visionary literacy reform strategy to fruition in Jordan. The development of this comprehensive National Literacy Strategy was led by the Ministry of Education, with support from USAID, UKAID, and other national partners. This strategy built upon the achievements of the RAMP project, expanded upon them, and ensured ongoing progress in enhancing Arabic reading skills, extending its reach to include students in higher grades.
The National Literacy Strategy (NLS) is a visionary initiative designed to achieve several crucial objectives:
1. Identify National Priorities: It pinpoints key national priorities and programs aimed at enhancing Jordan's literacy outcomes.
2. Leverage Existing Strengths: The NLS builds upon the assets and strengths already in place, particularly those established by RAMP, to maximize its impact.
3. Provide a Clear Roadmap: It offers a practical, evidence-informed implementation roadmap, ensuring that its objectives are met effectively.
4. Long-Term Commitment: The NLS commands widespread support over a 5-year implementation period, emphasizing its dedication to sustainable progress.
5. Unite Stakeholders: It aligns all actors in the education space toward a common goal and coordinates external financing and technical support from partners in the public, private, and community sectors.
Over a span of two years from 2020 to 2022, the NLS Technical Committee embarked on an extensive journey. during which they meticulously:
• Analyzed the current literacy status at different learning stages in Jordan, officially acknowledging the challenge of low student literacy performance.
• Agreed upon the NLS vision and strategic goals, identifying the factors in homes, communities, and schools influencing literacy learning.
• Scrutinized the various elements within the education system affecting literacy learning, assessing their strengths and weaknesses.
• Identified educational policy priorities and programs essential for improving literacy and contributing to the NLS's vision and objectives.
• Developed a results framework, outlining strategic objectives, specific program objectives, short and long-term activities, risk analyses, and challenges.
In the final stretch of 2022, RAMP completed the first draft of the strategy document, seeking input from the National Literacy Strategy Taskforce and key partners such as USAID, FCDO, World Bank, UNICEF, and the Higher Family Council. Their valuable comments were integrated to refine the strategy further. With RAMP's technical assistance, the NLS Technical Committee devised a 5-year NLS plan and a 1-year implementation plan, guided by the Minister of Education's directions during a pivotal Task Force meeting in December 2022. Workshops and interviews were conducted to gather data and budget information.
Fast forward to May 5, 2023, a momentous day for Jordan's education landscape. The NLS Implementation and Monitoring Plan received approval from the Task Force, led by H.E. Minister of Education, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, with the esteemed presence of USAID. The Minister endorsed the plan, indicating that the MOE would seek approval from the MoE educational board and establish a dedicated committee or secretariat to manage the NLS plan's implementation.
Jordan's launch of its first five-year National Literacy Strategy is a moment of pride and hope. This strategy marks a transformative step towards fostering a generation of passionate readers, improving literacy, and promoting reading as an enjoyable habit. It's not just a milestone for Jordan but also sets an inspiring model for literacy improvement across the Middle East.
Jordan's National Literacy Strategy is not just a plan; it's a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future, and a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication in the pursuit of educational excellence.