jordan pulse -

The Cabinet on Sunday approved procedures to establish five new technical schools at a total cost of approximately JD25 million, bringing the number of new schools established across the Kingdom in less than a year to 86.

The approval coincides 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.

The new 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 said the schools were designed and located based on specialised studies assessing educational needs and student capacity and in line with required educational, technical and technological standards.

The 86 newly completed schools, now operating across the Kingdom, are helping address challenges related to the two-shift system and the use of rented buildings.

The government has implemented projects to add classrooms and establish kindergarten facilities.

The first phase of the free school transport project covers 61 schools in the southern Badia, serving around 9,000 students through 120 buses. The project will later expand to the northern and central governorates.

The Cabinet approved the National School Feeding Programme for 2026-2030, tasking the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development with implementing it 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 play a key role in the programme, supporting local products, creating sustainable employment opportunities and strengthening its social and economic impact.

The programme currently benefits around 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.

//Petra// AK