Transportation and Vocational Training in Ajloun: Keys to Job Opportunities and Development

By Mariam Al-Yaseen – Member of the Safe Rural Youth Political Space

Ajloun Governorate, like other rural areas in Jordan, faces real challenges in the transportation sector. The weakness of public transportation directly impacts the ability of youth and women to access universities, training centers, or workplaces. The natural consequence of this is fewer opportunities, higher unemployment, and a decline in economic participation.

But the situation is not entirely bleak; there are practical solutions that can make a tangible difference. Among the most prominent of these solutions are:

Forming community transport groups managed by the local residents themselves.

Using smart apps to organize transportation, as seen in successful experiences like Indonesia.

Encouraging local companies to operate safe and regular bus services.

Partial government support for university students and job seekers to alleviate their financial burden.

In this context, the importance of the “service taxis” system cannot be ignored. Many families refuse to allow their children to use private or unlicensed vehicles, while the existing transport hubs do not provide an integrated public transportation system. Moreover, the absence of large, safe companies like “JET” leaves a clear gap, making the regulation of the service taxi sector and ensuring its licensing and safety essential to fairly and effectively cover rural areas.

Transportation is not just a means of movement; it is a gateway to development, social justice, and expanding job opportunities.

On the other hand, vocational training in Ajloun Governorate needs to be redirected to effectively meet the actual needs of the labor market. The vision of economic modernization opens promising fields in agriculture, industry, and technology, which requires vocational training centers to focus specifically on these sectors. With this practical orientation, young people can acquire skills currently in demand in the market, increasing their employment opportunities and opening new doors for them in rapidly growing sectors.

In summary: Linking the development of transportation with the modernization of vocational training programs can be a pivotal step in reducing unemployment in Ajloun, empowering youth and women to access opportunities, and turning challenges into real pathways for local development.

Work and Education… An Approach to Enhancing Social Protection in Jordan

Education and work form two fundamental pillars in building societies and enhancing social protection, and they cannot be viewed separately from each other. Education is not just about books and classrooms; it is the foundation for preparing generations capable of facing life’s challenges and the rapidly evolving demands of the labor market.

A stimulating learning environment

To achieve this, it is necessary to reconsider the plans and budgets allocated to schools. It is illogical to focus solely on maintenance work while neglecting priorities related to equipping classrooms with good lighting, proper ventilation, and comfortable furniture. A stimulating learning environment is a key factor in improving academic achievement and encouraging creativity among students.

The Importance of the English Language

One of the key recommendations is to establish specialized laboratories for teaching English, especially in schools located in peripheral areas. Weak language skills not only harm students’ performance at university but also reduce their opportunities in both local and global job markets, which heavily rely on the English language. Therefore, investing in these laboratories is a direct investment in the quality of education and the future of the youth.

Life Skills as a Necessity, Not a Luxury

Curricula should also include life skills as an integral part of the educational process. Critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and financial planning are no longer just additional skills but essential tools for facing reality. These skills can be enhanced through practical classroom activities, workshops and training courses, partnerships with the local community, as well as organizing competitions and extracurricular activities.

Education Linked to Life and Work

When education is directly linked to life and work, the student transforms from merely a memorizer of information into an individual ready to face the job market and capable of being an active contributor to protecting and developing their community. This is the essence of the relationship between education and work in building a cohesive and resilient society.