Ministry of Education and Umniah Renew the Connectivity Project for 3 Additional Years

AMMAN– The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Special Communications Commission (SCC), has extended the Connectivity Project partnership with Umniah for an additional three years. This project aims to establish the necessary infrastructure for integrating technology into the education process, enhancing efficiency across more than 3,500 schools, 112 directorates, and administrative buildings.

Initiated by Umniah in 2016, the Connectivity Project is Jordan’s largest and most groundbreaking initiative in harnessing information and communication technology for education. This initiative seeks to improve productivity and offer integrated communication solutions within schools, with the goal of enhancing educational outcomes and preparing students with the skills needed for their future endeavors.

Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, Minister of Education, emphasized the critical role of this project in building classroom connectivity infrastructure. He highlighted its contribution to educational efficiency and its alignment with the national strategy for education development, which promotes the integration of modern technology into the education system, as directed by the government and implemented by the ministry. Dr. Mahafzah expressed his gratitude to SCC and Umniah for their cooperation, underscoring how Umniah’s execution of the project exemplifies the effective partnership between the public and private sectors.

Brigadier General Haitham Hussein Bakr of SCC praised the partnership, emphasizing SCC’s role as a technological arm and specialized directorate within the armed forces, collaborating with Jordanian state institutions in both the public and private sectors. This partnership is committed to fulfilling the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, advancing development across all sectors, and enhancing comprehensive national security.
Bakr also emphasized the significance and technical value of the Connectivity Project, highlighting its versatile use for various national purposes.

Faisal Qamhiyah, CEO of Umniah, expressed pride in renewing the partnership with the Ministry of Education, emphasizing Umniah’s dedication to supporting Jordan’s education system through innovative, high-quality technological solutions. Umniah believes that technology plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ futures. Qamhiyah pointed out the project’s clear success in its initial phases, crediting it to Umniah’s advanced expertise and technologies, showcasing the company’s strong technical, technological, and engineering capabilities.
Monieb Tashman, General Director of the Queen Rania Al Abdullah Center for Education & Information Technology, stated that the center will continue to oversee the service’s implementation, monitor progress, and ensure the project’s continuity throughout the agreement’s duration.

The project aims to benefit over 1.3 million students and 100,000 Ministry of Education employees by providing free and secure internet access with increased speeds to all schools and Ministry of Energy directorates. The initiative seeks to expedite the transition of Jordan’s schools into the digital future of education.
Over the next three years, Umniah will award approximately 12 scholarships for bachelor’s degrees, distributing around four scholarships each year. Additionally, the company will offer specialized training courses to MoE employees, focusing on the latest technology available in the Jordanian market to enhance their technical skills. Furthermore, the project will include upgrading old cameras in the ministry’s directorates with higher-spec models and restoring disrupted communication and internet services for several schools benefiting from the initiative.
In the first phase of the Connectivity Project, 2,764 sites were targeted, and the second phase incorporated an additional 800 new schools, resulting in 3,424 schools, 43 directorates, and 76 administrative buildings benefiting from the project.

The renewal of the Connectivity Project aligns with Umniah’s commitment to supporting Jordan’s education sector as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The company has a significant track record of supporting this sector and successfully implementing various initiatives within it.