Jordan Times
Thursday, June 10, 2004
The premier's remarks were made at a meeting on Wednesday with the teachers of national education from different parts of the Kingdom.
“As we see it, Jordan First in education is... a way of work and life and a development process that should be at the core of the educational institution,” Fayez said.
He stressed that educational policies and plans necessitate an appropriate environment consisting of competent teachers and developed curricula. Fayez said promoting political development and spreading education counts as a true application of the slogan.
He said the government rejects any politicising of educational institutions but that does not mean denying students their right to have political affiliations, rather it is “to spare educational institutions from conflicts triggered by political differences.
The premier pointed out teachers' role in building generations and shaping the future leadership. He commended teachers as “true leaders” of society.
Responding to the teachers' demand to establish an association, Fayez pointed to a decision by the Higher Council for Interpretation of the Constitution that considers teachers as government employees who are not allowed to establish such an organisation.
As for unemployment among university graduates, he underlined the need to change some social concepts and abolish that of the culture of shame. He urged graduates to consider other vocations, saying the country cannot absorb the current large number of graduates.
Minister of Political Development and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mohammad Daoudiyeh, Minister of Education Khalid Touqan and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Also yesterday, the prime minister inaugurated the Jordan Specialised Centre for Autism, the first national centre to educate children with the disorder.