Jordan’s Ministry of Education is enhancing its capacity with the help of NORCAP experts, focusing on education planning and crisis preparedness. This initiative aims to improve the education system for approximately three million students, including both Jordanian and non-Jordanian children.
The System Strengthening Partnership (SSP) Programme supports the ministry in delivering quality education. To achieve this, ten NORCAP experts have been assigned across five technical areas, including gender mainstreaming and crisis management. This partnership reflects Jordan’s commitment to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education.
Meanwhile, in Vanuatu, a new disaster-resilient classroom made from shipping containers recently opened at Suango School near Port Vila. This classroom can withstand extreme weather conditions and is designed for relocation if necessary. Huw Kingston, who helped fundraise for this project, remarked, “Education is such an important thing, and with Vanuatu being hit by ever more powerful cyclones and the earthquake which destroyed 100 or more classrooms, it was a no-brainer.”
The construction took just 27 days once materials arrived—significantly faster than the typical 90 days for traditional classroom builds. The cost for this innovative classroom ranges from around VUV$7 million (approximately NZ$100,000) to VUV$10 million (NZ$143,000) if equipped with solar power and internet access.
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat emphasized community responsibility, stating, “Projects like this are not just for the government. We all have a responsibility to take care of these classrooms.” This sentiment resonates deeply in a region frequently affected by natural disasters.
As Jordan continues to strengthen its educational framework amidst challenges posed by its large refugee population, the focus on crisis preparedness becomes even more crucial. The collaboration with NORCAP may set a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions facing educational disruptions.
While these developments are promising, officials have not detailed how these changes will specifically impact students in the long term. However, the commitment to improving educational infrastructure remains strong as both nations work towards resilient learning environments.
