AMMAN (JT) - The success of the Madrasati initiative could easily be seen and heard during a gathering at the Um Al Manee School in Sweileh on Sunday, where students told Her Majesty Queen Rania about its benefits.

Checking in on the progress achieved during the first and second phase of the initiative, Queen Rania told the students: “The change you see in your schools today is the result of a new spirit of collaboration and camaraderie between teachers, parents, students and community, and that makes me very proud. These inspiring success stories illustrate the transforming power of Madrasati.”

Since its launch in 2008, Madrasati has not only worked to restore school facilities but also focused on upgrading the quality of education, by enhancing existing initiatives in areas such as child safety, health and skills’ training.

Whether students took the stage to present a series of sketches on the detrimental effects of tobacco or told Queen Rania about their latest recycling project, it was clear that all of them were keen on demonstrating just how much they had learned from the health-awareness sessions and other Madrasati programmes implemented in their respective schools.

Accompanied by Madrasati Director Danah Dajani and the school principal, Her Majesty also listened to teachers and parents as they spoke of the ways in which the Madrasati programme has impacted schools and enhanced their children’s educational development.

One mother representing the Parent Teacher Association at the Khawla Bint Al Azwar School in Ashrafiyeh, highlighted the principles of successful practice for road safety education and described how she helps children develop road and traffic awareness as part of the school’s child safety programme.

“Another sign that we’re turning a corner is that parents who used to have reason to complain, now have much to commend. And more than that, they infuse the school with creative ideas for further improvement,” Her Majesty noted.

Sharing his experience on the benefits of attending a Queen Rania Teachers Academy course offered in partnership with Madrasati, a science teacher from the Jaber Ben Hayan Elementary School for Boys, told the Queen his confidence increased and teaching skills improved, following the training.

A teacher from another Madrasati school then spoke about how her school succeeded in raising funds to build a theatre, by mobilising staff and parents, much to the joy of drama students.

“What this shows us is that when ideas are homegrown, generated within the local community by those who know it best, they flourish and blossom,” said Queen Rania.

Also at yesterday’s gathering, a young student previously known as a “mischief-maker”, explained how his participation in Madrasati’s local committee changed his outlook, and encouraged him to become more productive and positive in class.

In addition, Her Majesty watched two students, who learned how to fence at the Madrasati Summer Club this year, demonstrate their newly found skills.

Um Al Manee School is a phase one Madrasati school sponsored by the University of Jordan with approximately 1,460 students and 50 teachers.

Madrasati partners that have worked in the school include the Jordan River Foundation, the Royal Health Awareness Society, UNICEF and the Jordan Education Initiative.

The school recently purchased musical instruments, following a donation made by the Young Global Leaders, who visited Jordan last May.