Dr. Luay Al-Bawa'neh This is a question that demands an answer—not in lengthy written reports, but through emergency high-level meetings across all state institutions, including the executive, legislative, and even security branches. The most critical question we must ask ourselves is this: Have we truly reached such an alarming level of fear for the future of our children and coming generations following these sweeping educational changes, such as the new high school 'fields' system and Egypt's decision to re-evaluate the Jordanian Tawjihi certificate? Has it really come to the point where a citizen recently went on Facebook to appeal directly to the Director of General Intelligence, General Ahmad Hatukai, pleading with him to personally step in and draw his sword to protect the nation from what our education system is undergoing? Even though his role is strictly security rather than educational, this outcry simply underscores the immense public trust in that institution and its vital role in safeguarding the nation's assets. The uproar and desperate appeals we have witnessed in recent days are ultimately an expression of a deep-seated feeling of helplessness and confusion. People are struggling to make sense of what is happening in our country as a result of what can only be described as haphazard, rushed, and uncoordinated decision-making on critical issues like education. Crucial steps were taken without consulting other key stakeholders who might have offered sound guidance or who stand to be directly affected. That said, we should not let this frustration push us to completely write off every effort the Ministry is making to advance the educational process. They are exercising their best judgment, and anyone who acts is bound to make mistakes; after all, to err is human. What is required of us is to recognize this reality without falling into oversensitivity or hysteria. There is undoubtedly a problem with education in our country; on that, we all agree. It is the absolute right of citizens to express their concerns and fear for their children's future, just as it is the right of media outlets and social platforms to convey those public concerns. However, the Ministry must also listen, respond, and clarify points of contention without being defensive or dogmatic. In my view, this deeply critical issue cannot be resolved through panic, screaming, throwing accusations of treason, eroding trust, or threatening votes of no confidence. The Ministry operates on structured plans, programs, and strategies that are not tied to a single individual. Continuous review, adjustment, and policy shifts to serve the national interest are healthy, natural, and entirely legitimate demands. Educational policy is not an exclusive domain forbidden to the public, or to the 'laymen,' as the Secretary-General Dr. Al-Ajarmeh referred to them. Citizens are an essential partner in the educational journey, and neither the Ministry nor its officials have the right to dismiss public opinion or respond with a condescending tone. The Ministry was established to serve the people's aspirations, not to act as a dictator over their views—and His Majesty the King serves as our ultimate role model in this, as his heart and mind are always open to hearing everyone. I believe the path forward lies in formal legal channels, constructive dialogue, and objective review—not in shouting matches or mutual demonization. Our constitutional institutions possess the capacity to resolve these challenges if the political will exists, and we have many distinguished experts who ought to be engaged to help craft a solution. We can sit down together at the negotiating table and build consensus, rather than letting cynicism and loud voices dominate the conversation. Furthermore, this cause should not be hijacked for partisan agendas; education belongs to the entire nation and to the government holding executive responsibility. We do not question anyone’s patriotism or competence, as everyone involved is a child of this nation, but when mistakes occur, they must be corrected within proper constitutional, legal, and societal frameworks. We need to approach this matter with complete professionalism, admitting mistakes where they exist and correcting our course without hurling indiscriminate accusations at specific officials. Reforming the educational ecosystem is a collective responsibility, not the sole property of any single entity, even if the Ministry bears primary responsibility for implementing its programs. This responsibility does not excuse unintended or poorly analyzed missteps. At the same time, we as citizens, alongside the Ministry, must exercise patience and work as one unified team without resorting to personal attacks against the Minister or anyone else. For its part, the Ministry must open its doors wide to all relevant media channels, experts, and stakeholders rather than stubbornly clinging to its position. Unyielding stubbornness benefits no one, and a failed system means a loss for everyone. We certainly appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Education to improve learning, provided these changes are not rushed and do not harm students and their families. The high school 'fields' initiative may very well be a pioneering, modern approach, even if it currently confuses parents. Similar models may already be successfully applied in other countries, and there is no reason we cannot adopt it in Jordan—provided it is implemented with clear, precise guidelines that safeguard the rights of students and parents. Our children's futures must be built on a well-defined trajectory, not left to chance, draw, or luck. We must fear God in how we treat this country and its people, putting the citizen's well-being first. We must listen to every constructive voice without treating freedom of expression as a conspiracy cooked up by one figure or another. This nation and its institutions belong to all of us, and preserving them is our shared responsibility.
Dr. Luay Al-Bawa'neh This is a question that demands an answer—not in lengthy written reports, but through emergency high-level meetings across all state institutions, including the executive, legislative, and even security branches. The most critical question we must ask ourselves is this: Have we truly reached such an alarming level of fear for the future of our children and coming generations following these sweeping educational changes, such as the new high school 'fields' system and Egypt's decision to re-evaluate the Jordanian Tawjihi certificate? Has it really come to the point where a citizen recently went on Facebook to appeal directly to the Director of General Intelligence, General Ahmad Hatukai, pleading with him to personally step in and draw his sword to protect the nation from what our education system is undergoing? Even though his role is strictly security rather than educational, this outcry simply underscores the immense public trust in that institution and its vital role in safeguarding the nation's assets. The uproar and desperate appeals we have witnessed in recent days are ultimately an expression of a deep-seated feeling of helplessness and confusion. People are struggling to make sense of what is happening in our country as a result of what can only be described as haphazard, rushed, and uncoordinated decision-making on critical issues like education. Crucial steps were taken without consulting other key stakeholders who might have offered sound guidance or who stand to be directly affected. That said, we should not let this frustration push us to completely write off every effort the Ministry is making to advance the educational process. They are exercising their best judgment, and anyone who acts is bound to make mistakes; after all, to err is human. What is required of us is to recognize this reality without falling into oversensitivity or hysteria. There is undoubtedly a problem with education in our country; on that, we all agree. It is the absolute right of citizens to express their concerns and fear for their children's future, just as it is the right of media outlets and social platforms to convey those public concerns. However, the Ministry must also listen, respond, and clarify points of contention without being defensive or dogmatic. In my view, this deeply critical issue cannot be resolved through panic, screaming, throwing accusations of treason, eroding trust, or threatening votes of no confidence. The Ministry operates on structured plans, programs, and strategies that are not tied to a single individual. Continuous review, adjustment, and policy shifts to serve the national interest are healthy, natural, and entirely legitimate demands. Educational policy is not an exclusive domain forbidden to the public, or to the 'laymen,' as the Secretary-General Dr. Al-Ajarmeh referred to them. Citizens are an essential partner in the educational journey, and neither the Ministry nor its officials have the right to dismiss public opinion or respond with a condescending tone. The Ministry was established to serve the people's aspirations, not to act as a dictator over their views—and His Majesty the King serves as our ultimate role model in this, as his heart and mind are always open to hearing everyone. I believe the path forward lies in formal legal channels, constructive dialogue, and objective review—not in shouting matches or mutual demonization. Our constitutional institutions possess the capacity to resolve these challenges if the political will exists, and we have many distinguished experts who ought to be engaged to help craft a solution. We can sit down together at the negotiating table and build consensus, rather than letting cynicism and loud voices dominate the conversation. Furthermore, this cause should not be hijacked for partisan agendas; education belongs to the entire nation and to the government holding executive responsibility. We do not question anyone’s patriotism or competence, as everyone involved is a child of this nation, but when mistakes occur, they must be corrected within proper constitutional, legal, and societal frameworks. We need to approach this matter with complete professionalism, admitting mistakes where they exist and correcting our course without hurling indiscriminate accusations at specific officials. Reforming the educational ecosystem is a collective responsibility, not the sole property of any single entity, even if the Ministry bears primary responsibility for implementing its programs. This responsibility does not excuse unintended or poorly analyzed missteps. At the same time, we as citizens, alongside the Ministry, must exercise patience and work as one unified team without resorting to personal attacks against the Minister or anyone else. For its part, the Ministry must open its doors wide to all relevant media channels, experts, and stakeholders rather than stubbornly clinging to its position. Unyielding stubbornness benefits no one, and a failed system means a loss for everyone. We certainly appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Education to improve learning, provided these changes are not rushed and do not harm students and their families. The high school 'fields' initiative may very well be a pioneering, modern approach, even if it currently confuses parents. Similar models may already be successfully applied in other countries, and there is no reason we cannot adopt it in Jordan—provided it is implemented with clear, precise guidelines that safeguard the rights of students and parents. Our children's futures must be built on a well-defined trajectory, not left to chance, draw, or luck. We must fear God in how we treat this country and its people, putting the citizen's well-being first. We must listen to every constructive voice without treating freedom of expression as a conspiracy cooked up by one figure or another. This nation and its institutions belong to all of us, and preserving them is our shared responsibility.
Dr. Luay Al-Bawa'neh This is a question that demands an answer—not in lengthy written reports, but through emergency high-level meetings across all state institutions, including the executive, legislative, and even security branches. The most critical question we must ask ourselves is this: Have we truly reached such an alarming level of fear for the future of our children and coming generations following these sweeping educational changes, such as the new high school 'fields' system and Egypt's decision to re-evaluate the Jordanian Tawjihi certificate? Has it really come to the point where a citizen recently went on Facebook to appeal directly to the Director of General Intelligence, General Ahmad Hatukai, pleading with him to personally step in and draw his sword to protect the nation from what our education system is undergoing? Even though his role is strictly security rather than educational, this outcry simply underscores the immense public trust in that institution and its vital role in safeguarding the nation's assets. The uproar and desperate appeals we have witnessed in recent days are ultimately an expression of a deep-seated feeling of helplessness and confusion. People are struggling to make sense of what is happening in our country as a result of what can only be described as haphazard, rushed, and uncoordinated decision-making on critical issues like education. Crucial steps were taken without consulting other key stakeholders who might have offered sound guidance or who stand to be directly affected. That said, we should not let this frustration push us to completely write off every effort the Ministry is making to advance the educational process. They are exercising their best judgment, and anyone who acts is bound to make mistakes; after all, to err is human. What is required of us is to recognize this reality without falling into oversensitivity or hysteria. There is undoubtedly a problem with education in our country; on that, we all agree. It is the absolute right of citizens to express their concerns and fear for their children's future, just as it is the right of media outlets and social platforms to convey those public concerns. However, the Ministry must also listen, respond, and clarify points of contention without being defensive or dogmatic. In my view, this deeply critical issue cannot be resolved through panic, screaming, throwing accusations of treason, eroding trust, or threatening votes of no confidence. The Ministry operates on structured plans, programs, and strategies that are not tied to a single individual. Continuous review, adjustment, and policy shifts to serve the national interest are healthy, natural, and entirely legitimate demands. Educational policy is not an exclusive domain forbidden to the public, or to the 'laymen,' as the Secretary-General Dr. Al-Ajarmeh referred to them. Citizens are an essential partner in the educational journey, and neither the Ministry nor its officials have the right to dismiss public opinion or respond with a condescending tone. The Ministry was established to serve the people's aspirations, not to act as a dictator over their views—and His Majesty the King serves as our ultimate role model in this, as his heart and mind are always open to hearing everyone. I believe the path forward lies in formal legal channels, constructive dialogue, and objective review—not in shouting matches or mutual demonization. Our constitutional institutions possess the capacity to resolve these challenges if the political will exists, and we have many distinguished experts who ought to be engaged to help craft a solution. We can sit down together at the negotiating table and build consensus, rather than letting cynicism and loud voices dominate the conversation. Furthermore, this cause should not be hijacked for partisan agendas; education belongs to the entire nation and to the government holding executive responsibility. We do not question anyone’s patriotism or competence, as everyone involved is a child of this nation, but when mistakes occur, they must be corrected within proper constitutional, legal, and societal frameworks. We need to approach this matter with complete professionalism, admitting mistakes where they exist and correcting our course without hurling indiscriminate accusations at specific officials. Reforming the educational ecosystem is a collective responsibility, not the sole property of any single entity, even if the Ministry bears primary responsibility for implementing its programs. This responsibility does not excuse unintended or poorly analyzed missteps. At the same time, we as citizens, alongside the Ministry, must exercise patience and work as one unified team without resorting to personal attacks against the Minister or anyone else. For its part, the Ministry must open its doors wide to all relevant media channels, experts, and stakeholders rather than stubbornly clinging to its position. Unyielding stubbornness benefits no one, and a failed system means a loss for everyone. We certainly appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Education to improve learning, provided these changes are not rushed and do not harm students and their families. The high school 'fields' initiative may very well be a pioneering, modern approach, even if it currently confuses parents. Similar models may already be successfully applied in other countries, and there is no reason we cannot adopt it in Jordan—provided it is implemented with clear, precise guidelines that safeguard the rights of students and parents. Our children's futures must be built on a well-defined trajectory, not left to chance, draw, or luck. We must fear God in how we treat this country and its people, putting the citizen's well-being first. We must listen to every constructive voice without treating freedom of expression as a conspiracy cooked up by one figure or another. This nation and its institutions belong to all of us, and preserving them is our shared responsibility.
comments
Is the Ministry of Education destroying the future of education in Jordan, or isn't
display options :
Full
Main image only
without images
comments