Survey collects children’s views on better future

AMMAN — Marking World Children’s Day, which annually observed on November 20, Save the Children Jordan has conducted a sample survey of 20 adolescents to gather their opinion about 2022’s theme   “Inclusion, for every child” and how to build a better future for  children in Jordan and ensure them better opportunities.

The respondents, who are beneficiaries of the organisation’s programmes aged between 12 and 17, said that ensuring access to quality, continuous, inclusive and child-sensitive education is key to creating a better future for all children, according to a statement from the organisation.

The survey, which was conducted through interviews in three different sessions in eastern Amman and the Zaatari refugee camp, addressed the challenges related to accessing quality and inclusive education. 

The challenges for students with disabilities included the education environment, notably the poor facilities and lack of acceptance, the statement said.

For girls, social norms, lack of safe transportation to and from school, child marriage, low academic achievement, and verbal bullying were the main reasons that lead them to drop out of education.

According to the Ministry of Education figures, the school dropout rate among females is 0.004 per cent,  while it reached 0.003 per cent among males.

Economic reasons,  mainly poverty or unemployment, violence at school, poor academic achievement and the lack of a conducive environment for learning force boys to drop out of school, the survey said. 

Samar, 15, said that road safety concerns are one of the main reasons that pose a major barrier for her to receive education.

“I need to walk about half an hour to get to school, and it is not free from being harassed by young men on the way.  Unfortunately, my friend had to leave school. If there was bus transportation, the situation would be much better,” she said.

Zafer, 14, said he has been working since the age of 11 at a supermarket.  He Iater moved to work in coffee shops. 

“I worked from 4pm to 1am. I love school, but I am tired, and the employer does not allow breaks. I  used to miss two or three school days a  week. I do not have any dreams, but I wish I could have a rest,” he said.

According to figures  from the Department of Statistics in 2015, about 79 per cent of children with disabilities are not enrolled in any educational system.

Founded in December 1974, under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal, Save the Children Jordan is driven by a strong desire to provide women and children with their basic needs, according to its website.