Shop by Topic
Shop by Product
ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues
<< Previous Issue
| View Past Issues | | Next Issue >> 
Queen Rania on Education
February 10, 2009
The imagination is the secret and marrow of civilization.
-Henry Ward Beecher
-Henry Ward Beecher
In the Economist's annual report, The World in 2009, Queen Rania discusses how the Arab world can close the "knowledge gap"...
"Across the states, almost 57m adults are illiterate, two thirds of them women. More than 6m children are not enrolled in primary school, the majority of them girls. Too many Arab school systems are based on rote learning, instead of encouraging our children to question, explore, and create. We've also failed to build strong bridges between schools and the private sector �" with the paradox that even as we produce more graduates than ever, unemployment among the young is especially high, and many of our brightest students end up pursuing careers abroad.
"Clearly we cannot afford to keep squandering so much of our talent. With more than half our region's population under 25, the next 15 years give the region a promising demographic edge: we will have the highest ratio of potential workers to dependents of any region in the world. But in order to make the most of this, we must create real opportunity for our youth.
"That is why I believe the Arab world must embrace what I'll call 'the three Rs 2.0' �" not simply ensuring the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic, but revamping our curricula, rewarding our best teachers, and reinforcing the link between our classrooms of today and the workplaces of tomorrow.
"It's a daunting agenda, but Jordan has shown that real change can take root in desert soil �" and that innovative educational practices can be exported region-wide."
Use Airline Miles to Become a World Forum Sponsor
You can sponsor someone to attend the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Belfast, Northern Ireland (June 16 - 19, 2009) by sharing your airline frequent traveler miles or points. You will offer someone the opportunity of a lifetime, and be recognized for your contribution in the World Forum program. To learn how this works, contact [email protected]. ExchangeEveryDay
Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.
What is ExchangeEveryDay?
ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.
Motivate Teachers
Don't face your leadership challenges alone! Tools, support, and answers you need are at your fingertips. Listen to over 70 audio programs, access our forms resource library, find support at our discussion forum and receive a new CD every month featuring a leadership topic, staff appreciation idea, and team-building activity. Gain immediate access today for only $1.00.
Don't face your leadership challenges alone! Tools, support, and answers you need are at your fingertips. Listen to over 70 audio programs, access our forms resource library, find support at our discussion forum and receive a new CD every month featuring a leadership topic, staff appreciation idea, and team-building activity. Gain immediate access today for only $1.00.
Comments (2)
Displaying All 2 CommentsWaypoint Services
Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
I was born and raised in Jordan until two years ago when I moved here to the midwest. I'm currently running one of Waypoint's programs. Reading this honor reiterated my honor of being a Jordanian. I hope the Royal Family's efforts concludes to what is hoped for to help Jordan advance the next few generations.
New York, United States
In the Saudi Arabia in particular, it is illegal to bring in a Bible. With this kind of intellectual repression, what would the benefit be to a country like this to give educational freedom.
Post a Comment