Jordan has launched a major education initiative worth €20 million to improve children’s learning abilities and address educational gaps across 300 public schools. The programme, introduced on November  2026, is being supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Jordan’s Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.

Known as the Schools Teaching for Learning Recovery (ST4LR) programme, the initiative aims to strengthen basic educational skills, improve classroom teaching and ensure that children receive the support they need to succeed academically.

Reading and Mathematics at the Centre of the Initiative

One of the programme’s main priorities is helping children develop strong foundational skills in reading and mathematics.

Under the initiative, approximately 20,000 children are expected to receive support to improve their reading abilities, while another 40,000 students will benefit from programmes designed to strengthen their mathematical knowledge.

These subjects are considered essential building blocks for further education. Children who struggle with basic reading or mathematics often face difficulties understanding more advanced lessons as they progress through school.

The programme will therefore focus on identifying learning weaknesses and providing additional educational assistance before students fall further behind.

Teachers to Receive Specialised Training

Teachers will play a central role in implementing the initiative.

The programme will provide professional development opportunities to help educators identify students’ learning difficulties and adapt teaching methods according to individual requirements.

Special attention will also be given to children with disabilities and students who require additional classroom assistance.

School administrators, teachers and educational counsellors will work together to create more inclusive learning environments and improve the overall quality of education.

Families and Communities to Become Part of the Solution

The initiative recognises that children’s education does not depend entirely on classroom instruction.

Parents, caregivers and local communities will be encouraged to participate more actively in supporting children’s academic progress.

Schools will strengthen communication with families to identify problems affecting attendance, classroom participation and educational development.

The programme will also provide psychosocial support to help children overcome emotional and social difficulties that may affect their ability to learn.

EU and UNICEF Strengthen Partnership with Jordan

The €20 million investment reflects a wider partnership between Jordan, the European Union and UNICEF to improve educational opportunities.

The initiative will operate from 2026 to 2029 and support Jordan’s Education Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.

Its implementation will take place through government education systems in six selected education directorates, allowing the programme to work directly with schools, teachers and communities.

The participating organisations aim to achieve measurable improvements in children’s academic performance while ensuring that educational opportunities are more equally distributed.

Addressing Educational Inequality and Learning Gaps

Despite progress in expanding access to education, some children continue to experience difficulties in achieving expected learning levels.

Economic circumstances, differences in educational backgrounds, disability and limited access to additional learning support can all influence academic performance.

Through targeted educational assistance, teacher development and stronger family involvement, Jordan hopes to reduce these inequalities and prevent vulnerable students from dropping out of school.

A Long-Term Investment in Jordan’s Future

The new education programme represents an important investment in children’s development and the country’s future workforce.

Improving literacy, mathematical understanding and classroom learning can create stronger foundations for higher education, professional opportunities and economic participation.

As the programme progresses towards 2029, its success will depend on effective implementation, teacher participation and continued cooperation between schools, families and international partners.

The initiative sends an important message: improving education is not simply about increasing school enrolment but ensuring that every child has a genuine opportunity to learn, develop and succeed.