Amman: The Cabinet on Sunday approved procedures to establish five new technical schools at a total cost of approximately JD25 million. This decision brings the number of new schools established across the Kingdom in less than a year to 86, coinciding with the start of the new academic year and the launch of Jordan's first free school transport project, initially serving public-school students in the southern Badia.
According to Jordan News Agency, the newly approved schools are Al Quwaysimah Secondary School for Boys in Amman, Rahab Secondary School for Boys in Mafraq, Jerash Secondary School for Girls, and Wadi Al Rayyan Secondary School for Boys and Zubda Farkouh Secondary School for Boys in Irbid. The government emphasized that these schools were designed and located based on specialized studies assessing educational needs and student capacity, adhering to necessary educational, technical, and technological standards.
The establishment of 86 new schools across the Kingdom aims to address challenges related to the two-shift system and the use of rented buildings. Additionally, the government has undertaken projects to add classrooms and establish kindergarten facilities, further enhancing the educational infrastructure.
The initial phase of the free school transport project covers 61 schools in the southern Badia, serving around 9,000 students with 120 buses. This project is set to expand to the northern and central governorates in the future.
In another significant development, the Cabinet approved the National School Feeding Programme for 2026-2030. The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development has been tasked with its implementation in coordination with relevant authorities. The programme aims to improve students' health, promote healthy eating habits, and ensure that school meals meet approved health and nutritional standards.
Production kitchens will be integral to the programme, supporting local products, creating sustainable employment opportunities, and enhancing its social and economic impact. Currently, the programme benefits approximately 500,000 students, with meals and food products prepared and supplied in accordance with public safety requirements and standards approved by regulatory and health authorities.