26-01-2026 | di COOPI

Giordania. Inclusive Education as a Pathway to Sustainable Development

On the Occasion of International Education Day

In 2026, the world continues to face overlapping crises and increasingly complex challenges, particularly across the middle east region. Due to its geographical location within a fragile and unstable regional context, Jordan has been significantly affected by these dynamics, with visible and lasting impacts on key sectors, most notably education. Economic pressures, social vulnerabilities, COVID-19, and the protracted displacement of refugee populations have further exposed structural gaps within the education system, disproportionately affecting the most marginalized children.

At the National level, Jordan continues to advance efforts toward inclusive education, including through policy frameworks aimed at making schools more accessible and responsive to diverse learning needs. However, despite this progress, existing interventions remain limited in scale, while barriers to inclusion persist and the needs of children with disabilities and other marginalized groups remain significant.

Within this context, the project “Tarabot: promoting inclusive education for children with disabilities and special educational needs in Amman, Irbid, and Mafraq”—funded by AICS—supports the implementation of inclusive education through an integrated, child-centered, and comprehensive approach. The project addresses protection needs through case management and referral services, ensuring that children with disabilities receive appropriate support and follow-up. At the same time, it provides cash assistance to vulnerable families to reduce economic barriers that prevent children from accessing and remaining in school.

In parallel, the project strengthens the education system by supporting schools to become more inclusive, including through targeted rehabilitation and adaptation of learning environments. It also invests in building the capacities of teachers and educational staff, notably through specialized training and diploma programs in inclusive education, equipping educators with the skills needed to respond to diverse learning needs in the classrooms.

The project is rooted in the belief that inclusive education is a cornerstone of sustainable development. By investing in inclusive learning environments, strengthening school capacities, and enhancing accessibility at both physical and pedagogical levels, the project seeks to improve equitable access to quality education for all children. At the same time, it addresses social and economic barriers through psychosocial support, youth clubs, family empowerment, and community awareness, fostering participation, dignity, and a sense of belonging.

This approach aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education, SDG 10 on reducing inequalities, and SDG 17 through strengthened partnerships and collective action. Through these efforts, inclusive education becomes a tangible pathway toward social cohesion, resilience, and long-term development.

On the occasion of International Education Day, the Tarabot project underscores the importance of sustained investment and action to translate inclusive education commitments into practice. By reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for children with disabilities, the project contributes to building a more inclusive and equitable education system in Jordan.