Ministry of Education, the EU and UNICEF launch €20 million learning recovery programme in 300 schools in Jordan

The programme focuses on strengthening children's foundational reading and mathematics skills, supporting teachers, engaging families and communities, and providing psychosocial support.

Dr. Nawaf Al-Ajarmeh, Secretary-General for School Affairs at the Ministry, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education and Human Resources Development at the launch ceremony held at Jabal Al-Shamali School in the Southern Jordan Valley, said, "The Schools Teaching for Learning Recovery programme represents a practical approach to addressing learning gaps and strengthening students' foundational skills, particularly in reading, writing and numeracy. He also highlighted its role in improving teachers' instructional practices and fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment that responds to students' needs and individual differences."

Dr. Al-Ajarmeh emphasised the importance of schools, their administrative teams and teaching staff in ensuring the success of this initiative, noting that teachers are at the heart of the educational process, while schools provide the environment where plans and programmes are translated into practical actions and tangible learning outcomes.

Marie Horvers, Head of the Governance and Human Development Team at the European Union Delegation to Jordan, emphasized, "equity and quality in education are fundamental principles for the European Union, through this €20 million initiative, our support goes beyond financing a programme in classrooms. It represents a partnership with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF to help 20,000 children improve their reading skills and 40,000 children strengthen their mathematics skills.

She added, "We look forward to achieving tangible progress in children's learning while supporting teachers to better respond to their needs. By working closely with schools, teachers and parents across 300 public schools, we aim to build a more equitable education system that ensures no child is left behind because of learning gaps or their background."

"When children struggle to read or understand mathematics, each new lesson can become harder to follow," said Marc Rubin, UNICEF Representative to Jordan. "With the right support, they can catch up and regain confidence. Thanks to the European Union's support, UNICEF will work with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development to help teachers respond to children's learning needs and help more children stay in school and succeed."

The programme builds on successful reading recovery initiatives that helped with enhancing children's reading skills, confidence and engagement. It also draws on promising results from a mathematics pilot in 12 schools, where assessments showed improvement in children's understanding of foundational mathematics concepts.

The participants visited two classrooms, and took part in a focus group discussion with teachers who had received ST4LR training at the school.

As part of ST4LR, teachers will receive training that will help them identify learning gaps and adapt classroom teaching to children's needs, including those of children with disabilities. School leaders, teachers and counsellors will also work more closely with parents and caregivers to address barriers to attendance, participation and learning, and support children at risk of dropping out.

Implemented by UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development from 2026 to 2029, ST4LR supports Jordan's Education Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and will work through Ministry systems in six selected education directorates. Building on the country's progress in expanding access to education, the programme will help children develop the foundational skills they need to progress in school.