29 October 2014 – Amman, Jordan: The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Civic Initiatives Support programme is partnering with Generations For Peace to expand its Jordan Schools Programme from 2014-2016, working to reduce violence and improve educational performance in schools in Jordanian communities hosting Syrian refugees. The new partnership builds on the successes of a Pilot Programme, which tested the initiative in boys schools and girls schools in Amman and Zarqa over 12 months.
HRH Prince Feisal Al-Hussein, Founder and Chairman of Generations For Peace, commented: “The Pilot Programme proved that the innovative activities, training and mentoring which Generations For Peace provides can empower teachers to ignite lasting change in our local schools. The positive impacts seen include reduced cases of violence, strengthened relations between teachers and students, and an overall improvement in academic performance. USAID’s generous support will help us reach more schools, and by selecting schools in host communities, the programme will now benefit both Jordanian and Syrian refugee children in those communities most in need.”
The programme, which follows Generations For Peace’s unique curriculum, uses sport-based and arts-based activities, integrating conflict transformation education. The next phase of the programme, supported by USAID, expands the programme to schools in Irbid. The first phase of intensive training for teachers was completed last week, and a second round of training begins on Thursday, to equip the teachers with the knowledge and skills to analyze and address violence using innovative tools and activities.
”Helping Jordan’s youth flourish within their school environment and become active participants in their communities is a critical component of the Government of Jordan’s development agenda which USAID and its partners will continue to support,” said USAID/Jordan Mission Director Beth S. Paige.
Minister of Education, Dr. Mohammed Dhunaibat, concurred saying, “Our teachers are under enormous pressures every day, but they are finding that the Generations For Peace training and tools can unlock their creativity, transform their relationships with their students and foster a much more productive educational environment free from violence. USAID’s support is helping us reach selected schools which are most in need.”
