Jordanian Youth Build Competent and Responsible Citizenship

The Jordan Center for Civic Education Studies (JCCES) successfully concluded its civic activities as part of “Project Citizen”, funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) local grants program.  Through non-traditional teaching methodology that relied on delivering information through group team work and interaction, Project Citizen managed to inculcate concepts of civic engagement to hundreds of government secondary school students (aged 12-16) southern of Jordan, and develop public-minded young citizens who will act as a powerful force for social change in the country.  With support from the Jordanian Ministry of Education (MOE), JCCES worked with teachers to create a quality teaching/learning environment that nurtured community participation for students as they effortlessly engaged in the research and evaluation of public issues of societal concern. The students' devotion resulted in 24 project proposals that concern the inhabitants of Jordan’s southern region.

Out of the 24 community projects submitted by participating students as part of the MEPI funded project, five were selected to be showcased at an eventful conference that took place in the city of Karak in May 2009.  Approximately 300 students, academics, officials, and civil society representatives enjoyed the screening of five projects for the five directorates in Karak and Tafileh.  The projects addressed topics on youth leisure, misuse of the internet, medical errors at hospitals, water scarcity in Tafileh and exposed water ponds.  Dr. Abdel Karim Al Zo’bi, Director of Training Department at MOE, attended the showcase and commended the project's efforts in boosting the students' sense of national responsibility and civic involvement.

JCCES seeks to cultivate innovation and creativity and generate a good learning atmosphere for Jordanian students to face their challenges and serve their communities, commented Ms. Mona Al Alami, Director of the Center.  She added that she is proud of the youth club that has been established in Ai, Al Karak as a result of the project.  The main issue for youth in that area was free time and the lack of any centers or clubs that cater to youth.

The Karak showcase received extensive local media coverage including Al-Ghad newspaper, Petra News Agency, and Al-Dustour newspaper