AMMAN — A delegation from the US embassy in Amman on Wednesday reviewed progress of the “Asas” early education programme, implemented by the Yarmouk University’s Faculty of Educational Sciences with support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

 

The delegation included Regional Director for Foreign Assistance Kristin Ray, Projects and Government Cooperation Director Catherine Johnson, Education and Youth Projects Specialist Dana Yanis, and Project Specialist Zeina Tawal, accompanied by the Asas Director Cameron Mirza, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

 

The project aims to develop the classroom teacher programme at the Faculty of Educational Sciences at Yarmouk University by strengthening institutional performance, updating curricula and teaching and learning materials, empowering teachers, enhancing practical training, and supporting the faculty’s infrastructure.

 

Yarmouk University Vice President Ruba Batayneh said that the university places “strong” emphasis on US-funded projects, citing their role in advancing academic programmes, strengthening institutional work and improving learning environments, particularly in teacher education and the wider education system in Jordan.

 

She highlighted the Faculty of Educational Sciences’ effective utilisation of such opportunities, notably through the Asas project, which is being implemented in partnership with the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) and Vanderbilt University, with support from the US embassy.

 

Mirza commended Yarmouk University’s track record in implementing international projects, attributing its success to the university’s academic and administrative staff, as well as students who have demonstrated strong engagement and the ability to translate project outcomes into practice.

 

The delegation toured the faculty’s facilities and attended a number of programme-supported lectures.

 

Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences Hani Obaidat expressed pride in the partnership, noting its anticipated positive impact on academic programmes and faculty members through creating learning communities with counterparts at partner US universities, and in preparing qualified graduates capable of contributing effectively to the education sector.