the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Azmi Mahafzah, delivered a lecture on Monday at the Royal Jordanian National Defense College, titled "Educational Policy in Jordan and the Role of the Ministry of Education in Maintaining National Security." The lecture was delivered to scholars in the 21st National Defense Course and the 7th Master's Program in Strategies for Countering Extremism and Terrorism.

 

Mahafzah said: "Education is the secret to progress, strength, and renaissance of nations. There is no doubt that education is the path to self-development and the path to the future of societies." He explained that educational policies are among the most important pillars of public policy in all countries and among the most important requirements for planning and growth. They receive significant attention, as they play a significant role in achieving the goals of societies and in building, advancing, developing, and improving educational systems, to find solutions to society's economic, social, and political problems through the education system.

 

He pointed out that educational policies derive their legitimacy from the general system in society and seek to change the current situation through optimal selection among the available alternatives, in light of the current reality and vision for the future. No country can aim to build its civilization and educate generations of its children in a manner that Distinguished and capable, and without a clear and stable educational policy based on authentic scientific and cultural foundations that express the realistic needs and future aspirations of society.

 

Mahfuzah added that the philosophy of education in Jordan is based on the Jordanian Constitution, Arab-Islamic civilization, the principles of the Great Arab Revolt, and the Jordanian national experience. This philosophy is embodied in the intellectual, national, pan-Arab, humanitarian, and social foundations from which the general objectives of education emerge, as well as the principles of educational policy in Jordan, documented in Ministry of Education Law No. 3 of 1994 and its amendments.

 

Mahfuzah explained that the Ministry of Education adopts strategic policies aimed at achieving national security through intellectual, societal, cultural, moral, and environmental components. He highlighted the importance of the Ministry's role as an educational institution in creating an environment conducive to societal and intellectual security through sound educational policies stemming from the Ministry of Education's philosophy and the concepts of good citizenship and belonging. He added that our view of our educational institutions is that they are institutions with a national function that seek to build the human being and are based on Community Service.

 

The governor emphasized the importance of strengthening national security among students, as it is an ongoing process that deepens their sense of duty toward society, fosters a sense of national belonging and pride, instills a love of order, national sentiments, brotherhood, understanding, and cooperation among citizens, respect for order and regulations, and introduces students to their country's institutions and civilized organizations.

 

At the end of the lecture, an extensive discussion took place, and the lecturer answered the students' questions and inquiries.