Inherent to its mandate, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) established the “Al Nahda Society for Education” in 2017 as a first step toward its holistic approach to education. Successively, ARDD developed its education strategy “Towards Formal, Inclusive and Integrated Education in Jordan” centered on access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all to alleviate poverty and enable lasting social transformation and cohesion.

To ensure compatibility with current developments in the education sector, including new technology, virtual education, and engagement with key stakeholders, ARDD conducted a comprehensive survey and impact analysis. This study focused on national and local stakeholders involved in the education sector, addressing inclusive education, legal matters, protection, social and economic integration, accountability, new educational initiatives, and best practices.

Based on the findings of this analysis, ARDD reactivated the “Nahda Educational Society” under a new name, vision, mission, and goals that align with the present education landscape and its requirements. This transformation resulted in the establishment of the “National Alliance for the Future of Education in Jordan (NAFE),” initiated by ARDD to serve as the coordinating body. NAFE’s primary objective is to foster the creation of an inclusive educational system that offers comprehensive protection and equal opportunities for all segments of society, devoid of any discrimination.

The Role of NAFE

The development of the education sector involves numerous stakeholders, yet the challenge lies in coordinating their efforts strategically and holistically. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in supporting government agencies, such as the Ministry of Education, to bridge educational gaps. In this context, NAFE assumes a significant role by fostering strong partnerships with various stakeholders involved in education, including educators and parents. This collaborative approach aims to address the issue of educational loss, engage in decision-making processes, formulate effective strategies, and safeguard the educational rights of all, including refugees in Jordan. NAFE also actively contributes to enhancing accountability and governance in education through several key initiatives:

1. Providing professional and technical support, along with life and social skills training, to empower and prepare young people for a successful future in their chosen professions.

2. Strengthening communication with local stakeholders, including government bodies, ministries, business owners, and entrepreneurs, to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices. This collaborative effort fosters a comprehensive examination of inclusive education’s integrative and developmental role.

3. Empowering local communities and civil society at large to actively participate in decision-making and accountability processes related to education. This empowerment is instrumental in driving comprehensive reforms in Jordan’s education sector.

NAFE´s Operational Mandate

The Alliance mandate will be translated on the ground through specifics endeavors that include:

• Awareness raising on the importance of quality education for all.
• Networking and building effective partnerships with support groups in order to get to broader technical expertise, skills, experience, networks, and access to knowledge.
• Promoting life and social skills programs across all age groups, with a particular focus on early childhood, to strengthen analytical and critical thinking abilities. By nurturing these skills, individuals can better integrate into their cultural and social surroundings and effectively address future challenges, preparing them for active participation in the labor market.
• Supporting vocational education programs that provide students with cognitive and life skills.
• Partaking in advocacy and lobbying efforts to reform education in Jordan.
• Devising interventions that aim to promote a culture of accountability among the community and enhance information exchange.
• Reviewing and developing research studies and policies relating to formal inclusive and integrated education in Jordan.
• Responding to the needs of the existing development paradigm through a learned, more effective, and efficient discourse among the public sector, private sector, civil society, and the public at large.
• Strengthening capacities such as proper communication standards in school, inclusiveness, protection, and education.
• Highlighting the importance of climate change education and providing recommendations for effective responses to climate change.

NAFE´S Structure and Responsibilities

The National Alliance comprises professionals from governmental and semi-governmental institutions, local organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector, and community leaders. The Alliance’s main responsibilities are to:

• Conduct and publish research, studies, policy papers, and analysis on barriers and opportunities to accessing quality, inclusive, and comprehensive education that provides context for implementing evidence-based education/learning initiatives.
• Support advocacy/ lobbying efforts by sharing information, undertaking interviews, and disseminating research findings.