Empowering Jordanian Youth: UNESCO and Canada Joint Efforts to Support the Ministry of Education in Transforming Vocational Education in Jordan

UNESCO and Canada are strengthening their partnership in the education sector in Jordan to support the Ministry of Education in transforming technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Canada announced in February 2024 an envelope of $6.5 million for UNESCO to implement a Technical Assistance Programme aiming at increasing access to safe and inclusive education for Jordanian and refugee girls and boys in the public education system. It will provide young people with the skills they need for future employment opportunities by adapting vocational training courses to the needs of the labor market.

Through the programme, it is expected that 1800 TVET teachers and over 35,000 learners will benefit from capacity development interventions and newly introduced systems and practices in Vocational Education. Furthermore, 12 MoE Vocational Education schools will implement newly developed models related to private sector engagement and career guidance. 

This programme has been designed to support Canada’s Sovereign Loan to Jordan to modernize Jordan’s vocational education sector by renovating vocational studios, modernizing educational technology and improving overall infrastructure.

Through close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, private sector industries, and other national stakeholders, UNESCO will support the implementation of various strategies to enhance the quality of TVET programmes in public schools. Key areas of focus include career guidance, private sector partnerships, awareness campaigns, teacher training, and the enhancement of graduates' qualifications.

The ultimate goal of the programme is to contribute to Jordan’s socio-economic development by equipping young people, regardless of gender or background, with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the changing labor market.

Marina Patrier, UNESCO Jordan Officer in Charge, recalled UNESCO TVET Strategy (2022-2029) and mandate, and the critical role played by TVET: “UNESCO connects education to the fast-evolving world of work through its promotion of skills for work and life. TVET helps youth and adults develop the abilities, knowledge, values and attitudes they need to find decent work and contribute to building a peaceful, healthy and sustainable world.”

The programme directly derived from the findings and recommendations of the TVET System Review undertaken in 2023 by the MoE with technical support from UNESCO. It is fully aligned with the 2030 Education Agenda-SDG4 at global level; and to the Economic Modernisation Vision, the Education Strategic Plan and Joint National TVET Strategy at national level.