Jordan has made great progress in increasing access to education, with nearly universal primary enrollment, gender parity in Jordanian schools, and a 98 percent adult literacy rate.
The United States and Jordan share a longstanding partnership in education in the Kingdom, beginning with teacher and technical training in the s, and expanding through today. Despite widespread access to education, challenges remain. Schools are overcrowded and in varying states of disrepair, teachers receive limited training and support, and learning outcomes remain low, with only a fifth of second and third graders reading at grade level. Ensuring that all children and youth have the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge to succeed is essential to their economic productivity.
USAID supports the Government of Jordan as it expands access to quality education to children and youth throughout Jordan so they can help build a brighter, more prosperous future for themselves and their communities. USAID partners with the Ministries of Education and Public Works and Housing to build, expand, and rehabilitate schools and kindergartens in underserved areas throughout the Kingdom to reduce overcrowding and ensure that teachers and students have safe and fully equipped spaces to facilitate learning.
Children who perform well in school are less likely to drop out of school or repeat grade levels, and generally face fewer challenges finding gainful employment.
USAID works with the Ministry of Education to foster positive learning environments by strengthening reading and math performance in early grades, providing psychosocial support training for teachers to help make schools safer and more supportive, and encouraging parent and community engagement in the public school system to create a sense of ownership and accountability. Students who fall out of formal education struggle to access safe employment to support themselves and their families.
