Jordan Times
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Queen shortlisted on ‘most
inspirational leader’
AMMAN (JT) - CNN International’s feature programme “The Spirit of… Leadership”
has short-listed Her Majesty Queen Rania on a viewer poll of some of the world’s
most inspiring leaders of 2008.
The programme is asking its viewers to vote for their most inspirational leader
before December 3.
The Queen is listed among nine notable achievers including former UN secretary
general Kofi Annan, Professor Stephen Hawking, Paulo Coelho and Nobel laureate
Wangari Maathai who have featured in CNN International’s “The Spirit of…
Leadership” programme during this year.
Noted for her philanthropic work in promoting educational opportunities for
children in Jordan and throughout the world, Queen Rania earlier this year
launched the Madrasati (My School) initiative to overhaul at least 500 of the
country’s most dilapidated public schools.
Halfway through with the first phase of Madrasati, the initiative has achieved
major successes so far.
In an interview with CNN International’s Becky Anderson that aired earlier this
year, the Queen highlighted Madrasati’s unique model which works by forming
partnerships with local communities, private and public sector institutions and
different civil society entities.
Madrasati adopts a comprehensive approach, tackling all elements that secure an
appropriate teaching environment including maintenance, teaching programmes and
aids.
Thousands of children from across the Kingdom welcomed the first day of school
with jubilation this year, as they entered their renovated schools and
classrooms. The visible changes have already had a positive impact on their
attitude in schools, many teachers have noted.
Less than one year after the Queen initiated the project, it has already created
a more conducive learning environment for Jordanian children.
With a large majority of the country’s population under the age of 18, Queen
Rania often speaks passionately about the importance of access to quality
education and has committed to working towards improving scholastic
opportunities.
Visitors to www.cnn.com/spirit can research additional details and cast their
vote before the December 3 deadline.
The results will be announced on CNN International’s programme “The Spirit of…
Leadership”, which will be broadcast on December 11, December 13 and December
14.