20 May, 2013 – Amman, Jordan: Under the patronage of HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Founder and Chairman of Generations For Peace (GFP), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, a sports for peace training for teachers, to tackle violence in schools, concluded in Amman today at GFP’s headquarters.
20 teachers from 4 public schools participated in this three-day training: Jaber bin Hayan Secondary School, Nusseibeh Almzneyah School, Al-Ma’moon School and Princess Taghreed School. This training is the first step in the implementation of the “Violence in Schools” programme, launched by GFP in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Building on research and community stakeholder planning conducted last year, the programme aims to reduce violence in schools, at a time when violence in schools and universities among Jordanian youth is on the rise.
HRH Prince Feisal emphasized the importance of the programme at this period of time, referring to the escalation of the number of cases of violence, and their seriousness and impact as a disruption to education and a threat to communities. He also gave credit to the Ministry and the teachers involved: “This is a really important programme for Generations For Peace here in Jordan, and I have been extremely impressed with the enthusiasm of the teachers. The success of this training is a result of the cooperation and commitment demonstrated by all the participating teachers, supported by their School Principals and by the Ministry of Education itself.”
Rudaina Halaseh, head of the Protection Department at the Ministry of Education, pointed out that: “this unique training provided by GFP has been particularly useful, as it has provided the teachers with a new set of tools for addressing violence among students, by using sport as a vehicle to promote understanding, responsible citizenship and active tolerance among the youth.”
The training applied a practical approach, which provided the teachers with access to a variety of tools that will enable them to reduce levels of violence, by allowing youth to channel their energy in creative activities instead of resorting to violence to resolve their differences.
Mustafa Najeh, a teacher at Al-Ma’moun School for boys, found this training particularly distinctive, he said: “this training is different from any other training I have taken part in, as it has given all the participants simple and practical means that can be implemented easily in any environment. I can already see the positive results of implementing what I have learned with my students.”
Asmaa Alhindi, a teacher at Princess Taghreed School for girls, commended the training and said: “I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired throughout these three days with my students. And I really look forward to participating in other advanced training courses led by GFP.”
Marking the end of the training, HRH Prince Feisal awarded GFP Delegate certificates to each of the teachers, and certificates of appreciation to the School Principals and the Ministry of Education officials supporting the programme. Certificates were also presented to other GFP Delegates and Pioneers who had participated in previous programs organized by GFP in 2012. Later this summer, the teachers will attend a summer camp to consolidate their training, plan and practice their programme activities ready for the next school semester.
