Jordan Times
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
King urges students to
actively participate in public life
HASHEMITE UNIVERSITY (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday urged
university students to focus more on the practical aspect of education.
He described this approach as “the basis for increased economic productivity,”
emphasising that “technical and managerial capabilities and skills are a basic
requirement to stand up to the challenges of the future.”
The Monarch made the remarks during a meeting with students of national
education at the Hashemite University yesterday.
“Everyone of you is responsible for his own future and that of the homeland,”
the King told the students, highlighting the younger generation’s responsibility
for the country’s development.
The Monarch added the realisation of development is a “responsibility shared by
the government, the youth and universities.”
King Abdullah said Jordan seeks to create a job-generating economic environment
— a responsibility that should be shouldered by universities, which are required
to link the outcome of the education process with development needs. They are
also expected to entrench a culture of scientific research, “which is the
foundation of revival and welfare,” he added.
Urging the students to actively participate in the various arenas of public
life, including politics, economy and social activities, the King said
participation in public life “is the true expression of belonging to the
country, which needs deeds rather than words.”
This participation, King Abdullah added, is the fundamental factor to effect an
envisioned change, which is essential for Jordan to transform into a country
where justice, equality and equal opportunity prevail.
The country should create an appropriate environment to unleash the potential of
young people, who are more capable of building the country and its future, the
King said.
He told the students that the Royal Court, in cooperation with the government
and universities, is working on a mechanism to ensure channels are kept open
with the youth to serve the purposes of sustainable development.
Earlier in the day, King Abdullah officially inaugurated the Prince Hussein Ben
Abdullah II IT Faculty and toured its computer lab.
The Monarch also laid the cornerstone of the medical faculties compound, a JD14
million, self-funded project, according to Hashemite University President Omar
Shdeifat.
The compound will house the medical, nursing and supportive medical sciences
schools and offer its services to areas surrounding the university, including
Zarqa, Mafraq and the Northern Badia District.
The state-run Hashemite University, which comprises 12 faculties and offers
post-graduate programmes, was established in 1995. It offers higher education to
16,000 students.