Jordan Times
Friday, September 10, 2004
King meets Maan students
4 Al Hussein University students conducted a study showing that just 3.8 per
cent of youth in the southern city are members in civil society institutions and
only 1.3 per cent joined political parties
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday called on authorities to
support and activate the role of civil society and youth institutions in the
southern governorate of Maan.
King Abdullah was meeting four students from the government-run Al Hussein
University in Maan.
The students conducted a study on youth development entitled “The Challenges and
the Opportunities.”
After reviewing the study and the students' recommendations, the King stressed
the importance of finalising a comprehensive development plan for Maan
Governorate. He said youth should take the initiative and play a leading role in
developing their area.
During the meeting, attended by Minister of Planning and International
Cooperation Bassem Awadallah, King Abdullah also emphasised the importance of
exerting all efforts to establish development projects in Maan and create jobs
for the young people, who forms the majority of the governorate's population.
The study and recommendations, which was finalised by Bilal Zarkali, Bayan
Talhouni, Hadil Qudsi and Emad Abu Saleh, highlighted “the humble efforts” by
some institutions to develop the youth sector in Maan.
According to the study, just 3.8 per cent of youth in Maan are members in civil
society institutions and only 1.3 per cent joined political parties.
The study showed that poverty, unemployment and the inefficiency of youth
organisation were among the main challenges facing people in Maan. It also
showed that the rate of illiteracy among women is rising.
The recommendations included the creation of a youth body with a focus on
women's development programmes and more training and rehabilitation courses to
enhance young people's skills in computer.
The idea behind conducting the study was made by the four students during a
two-day Jordan Youth Forum, held at the Dead Sea late July.
During the forum, the Monarch encouraged university students to continue
expressing their views and concerns to government officials with no reservation.
Around 120 students met senior officials and business leaders to explore ways of
enhancing their engagement in the country's political, economic and social life.
Students often complain that they are hesitant in arguing with their university
professors for fear of getting a low grade or being “humiliated” or “told off.”
They attribute such fears to a “prevailing culture” that discouraged the young
from questioning the intelligence and wisdom of adults.
The Kingdom has made positive strides to promote youth rights over the past few
years.
There are currently 263 youth clubs across the country and a Youth Parliament
which provides a valuable platform for debate. Young Jordanians form 55 per cent
of the population.