An estimated 750,000 Iraqis fled to Jordan between 2003 and 2006, when the Jordanian government closed the borders. By that time, Iraqis made up more than 10 percent of the population, and government services were overwhelmed. IRD has stepped in to help deliver health, education, and other services to an often desperate population.

The Community Mobilization for Partnerships in Schools Project (CMP) funded by USAID develops dynamic, sustainable community-school partnerships that serve as sustainable mechanisms for the institutionalization of participatory approaches to educational reform and create a sense of ownership and responsibility among all stakeholders within the public school system. Over the course of the two year program, CMP is tasked with working with schools and their surrounding communities that have received construction and renovation assistance through the ongoing USAID funded Jordan Schools Construction and Rehabilitation Program (JSP).   

IRD is working with parents and communities to encourage their involvement in their children’s learning through better parenting workshops and by actively seeking parental participation in newly formed Community Parent School Committees (CPSCs). These CPSCs are enhancing the community participation in the design, implementation, and monitoring of school improvement efforts and are strengthening the community/school support connections that facilitate life-long learning opportunities and extra-curricular programs within schools.

In addition to working in close cooperation with the Jordanian Ministry of Education (MOE), CMP has formed dynamic partnerships and linkages with groups on the cutting edge of community mobilization and educational advancement in Jordan. CMP partner, The Queen Rania Award for Excellence in Education (QREEA), has received considerable national attention for its Teachers’ Award, and will develop, in collaboration with IRD, criteria for community participation in its new Principals’ Award.

Multimedia Gallery