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AMMAN (JT) - A volunteering scheme aimed at enhancing extracurricular activities in schools across the Kingdom was officially inaugurated in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Rania on Wednesday.
Building on its community-based participatory approach, the Madrasati initiative established the volunteer programme, which reflects the spirit of community service and social responsibility that lie at the core of the grassroots initiative.
The newly established scheme will complement Madrasati's existing programmes, seeking collaborative solutions to create stronger and healthier school settings, with the ultimate aim of refurbishing 500 of Jordan's most dilapidated schools in an ambitious five-year plan.
Supported by the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and Bridges of Understanding, a US nonprofit organisation, the programme will team volunteers with local school bodies to plan and coordinate activities for students. These will include art workshops, film and sports - relying on the volunteers' expertise and skill sets.
Yesterday, a group of volunteers already working with Madrasati shared their experiences with Her Majesty, highlighting their work with schoolchildren, and what they learned from the students.
The Queen listened to the stories, and commended their efforts, noting how their experiences reflect a sense of citizenship and increased social responsibility among Jordanians.
Meanwhile, Amman Mayor Omar Maani discussed GAM's strategic alliance with Madrasati, announcing new developments that include the provision of office space for volunteers located within the premises of the municipality?s parks.
Her Majesty was also briefed by Luma Kawar on the partnership with Bridges of Understanding, which provided $25,000 to support the volunteer programme.
Madrasati Director Danah Dajani said a total of 380 volunteers from five universities, the public sector and local communities are already working with the Madrasati volunteer programme.
Queen Rania launched Madrasati as a public-private partnership in 2008 in an effort to improve the infrastructure of public schools in the Kingdom and create a better learning environment for students. The initiative is designed to benefit some 165,000 students over a period of five years.
Madrasati is currently in its second phase, which builds on the establishment of a higher quality of education for children by continuing the significant progress made in phase I, where a total of 100 schools were renovated in Amman and Zarqa. |
