Ammon News - Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed buildings for Umm Al-Hasheem Mixed Elementary School and Al-Haditha Secondary School for Girls, under the Directorate of Education for the Southern Jordan Valley District. These projects were completed as part of the Schools for Knowledge Economy Project (SKEP), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Southern Jordan Valley District Governor Wael Al-Sharafa and Director of Education Odeh Darab’a also attended the event.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Al-Haditha Secondary School for Girls, Mahafzah commended the collaborative efforts that resulted in the schools’ construction. He highlighted that the new schools will enrich students' learning experiences and foster a healthy, social, and educational environment that strengthens connections with teachers, administrators, and the local community.

Mahafzah also emphasized the importance of involving the local community in the educational process and creating inclusive environments for children with disabilities. These schools are designed to integrate all students, ensuring they receive appropriate education alongside their peers in classrooms tailored to their needs.

Mahafzah expressed appreciation for USAID's ongoing support in maintaining these schools and for their continued efforts to back similar initiatives currently underway. He pointed out several programs currently being implemented in collaboration with USAID, such as expanding kindergarten enrollment, pre-service and in-service teacher training, and the maintenance and efficient use of school buildings.

In his closing remarks, Mahafzah thanked USAID for its unwavering support in helping the Ministry of Education fulfill the educational needs of Jordanian students.

In her remarks at the inauguration event, USAID/Jordan Mission Director Leslie Reed said, “Opening state-of-the-art schools highlights the high level of collaboration between USAID, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

USAID stands with all of you in this effort, so that children and young people throughout the Kingdom can help build a brighter, more prosperous future for themselves and their communities.”

She reiterated USAID’s support to the Ministry of Education in its efforts to empower children and youth across the Kingdom and to contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for them and their communities. Reed expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Education for their fruitful collaboration to serve students.

Following the ceremony, Mahafzah and the attendees toured the two schools, where they observed kindergarten and first-grade classes implementing modern learning strategies. Mahafzah also visited the school's art studio, where he heard about the stages of recycling and soap making in collaboration with the local community. The tour also included the computer lab and the inclusive education room.