Ajloun, Sept. 8 (Petra)-- The world on Tuesday marked International Literacy Day, observed annually on Sept. 8, highlighting the importance of literacy and reinforcing the right to education.

In Ajloun Governorate, as in other governorates across Jordan, educational efforts continue to reduce illiteracy through literacy and adult education centers that provide learning opportunities for those wishing to continue their education.

Director of the Ajloun Education Directorate Khaldoun Jweid said education was a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, stressing the importance of ensuring the right to education for all.

He said this had prompted the Ministry of Education to establish literacy and adult education centers within an integrated school environment to achieve the program's objectives and expand educational opportunities.

The Ajloun Education Directorate opened nine literacy centers during the 2025-2026 academic year, with a minimum of 10 students enrolled at each center, to facilitate equal access to education for everyone regardless of age, Jweid said.

He added that the directorate provides learners at the centers with all necessary educational materials and, through its General Education Department, seeks to expand the number of centers to help reduce illiteracy across the governorate.

Abdul Rahim Al-Smadi, the Ajloun Directorate of Education's spokesperson, said the illiteracy rate in the governorate stood at about 2%, while around 90 male and female students were enrolled in literacy programs.

He said the figure was among the lowest illiteracy rates nationwide.

Ajloun also has advanced educational indicators, with around 50,000 students enrolled in 186 public and private schools across the governorate during the 2026-2027 academic year, according to data published as part of preparations for the current school year.

Ashraf Al-Ghazou, principal of Al-Marjam Comprehensive Secondary School for Boys, said tackling illiteracy extended beyond teaching reading and writing to developing learners' personalities and strengthening their ability to cope with the demands of daily life.

Schools are a key partner in the state's efforts to combat illiteracy and promote a culture of lifelong learning, he said.

Providing a stimulating educational environment for learners at literacy centers helps overcome many of the obstacles that previously prevented some members of society from accessing education, Al-Ghazou said, calling for stronger partnerships between educational institutions and local communities to reach groups still in need of such services.

Digital media specialist Odai Qaqish said the concept of literacy had undergone a major transformation amid the digital revolution.

Traditional reading and writing skills were no longer sufficient, he said, adding that individuals must now possess a minimum level of digital skills enabling them to access information, use technology, and interact safely with online platforms and electronic services.

Digital literacy has become an essential part of the modern education system, particularly as reliance on electronic services, artificial intelligence, and digital communications continues to grow, Qaqish said.

He called for literacy programs to be developed to combine basic and digital skills needed in everyday life.

Khaled Al-Omari, a professor of financial technology at Ajloun National University, said rapid developments in financial technology and electronic banking services had made financial and digital literacy a necessity for all segments of society.

The ability to use electronic payment methods, digital banking services, and financial applications has become an essential skill, he said.

Educational and community activist Munther Al-Zghoul said combating illiteracy was a shared responsibility among official institutions, local communities, families, and civil society organizations.

Reaching people who have not had the opportunity to receive an education requires more community-based and awareness initiatives, he added.

//Petra// AF

08/09/2026 20:49:36