Jordan Times
Sunday, January 25, 1998
Minister inspects school, praises role of voluntary
groups
AMMAN (J.T.) - Minister of Social Development Mohammad Mamser has
said voluntary groups operating in Jordan are relieving the state
of a heavy burden and shouldering part of the responsibility in
caring for the orphans and needy.
The minister, who was speaking during an inspection visit to the
Theodore Schneller School in the Marka district in east Amman,
urged all non-governmental organisations and voluntary groups to
increase their cooperation with the Ministry of Social
Development to address social problems and safeguard the social
structure.
Dr. Mamser said the time has come for modernising Jordanian
legislation in a manner that would open the way for the private
sector to expand its role in establishing social institutions,
which he said can help the ministry deal with numerous social
issues and care for orphans, the handicapped, and the aged.
During the visit, the minister met with the school's director
general, Kamal Farah, and board members and inspected the
school's classes, which offer training to some 250 students in
welding, woodworking, auto repair, and blacksmithing.
According to Dr. Farah, the school, which was established in
1966, is being financed by the Evangelical Episcopal Church in
Jerusalem and the Middle East, as well as churches in Germany.
Dr. Farah said nearly 50 per cent of the trainees are orphans,
while the rest come from needy families and are training in
trades to help them earn a living. He said that the children
receive a free education in line with the Ministry of Education's
school syllabus, in addition to receiving training in trades of
their choice.
Present at the school during the minister's visit was Dalal
Etoum, the president of the Humanitarian Club and a friend of the
Schneller School.
She told the minister that her group helps the school care for
the orphaned children and takes part in the school's activities.