Date: Saturday
Location: Dead Sea, Jordan

A new collaboration between Jordanian and Palestinian universities was launched with the unveiling of the “Bologna for Science Education in Palestine and Jordan” program. This initiative, supported by European Union funding, aims to standardize the recognition of academic qualifications and enhance the employability of graduates from both countries in regional and international job markets.

Key Highlights:

• Opening Remarks: Palestinian Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Amjad Barham, emphasized the importance of the initiative in light of the ongoing Israeli occupation and the challenges it imposes on Palestinian education. He stressed that such projects are crucial for sustaining and strengthening the education system in Palestine.
• Collaboration Between Universities: Dr. Barham commended the strong cooperation between Palestinian and Jordanian universities in addressing these educational challenges through curriculum development and modern teaching methods.
• Speeches:
  • Dhafer Sarairah, Chairperson of the Higher Education Accreditation Commission (HEAC) in Jordan, stated that the project is a milestone for higher education in the region. He highlighted the focus on equipping graduates with the skills required for success in local and global job markets.
  • Project Coordinators:
    • Fahmi Abu Rub (Jordan) explained that the initiative aligns educational programs with the European Bologna Process, facilitating mutual recognition of qualifications across Europe.
    • Abdelhaleem Khader (Palestine) stressed that the project will shift the educational focus from rote memorization to skill-based learning, preparing students for the competitive job market.

Participating Institutions:

• Jordanian Universities: German Jordanian University, Balqa Applied University, Jordan University of Science and Technology.
• Palestinian Universities: An-Najah National University, Palestine Technical University-Kadoorie, Arab American University in Jenin.
• International Partners: Ministries of Higher Education, accreditation bodies, and academic institutions from Spain and Italy.

The program will include comprehensive faculty training, curriculum development, and the introduction of modern teaching methodologies, aiming to ensure successful implementation of Bologna Process standards and enhance academic cooperation between the region and Europe.

This initiative marks a significant step in improving higher education standards, fostering international collaboration, and enhancing opportunities for graduates across both Palestine and Jordan.