Irbid (March 25^th, 2015) – The winners of the Madrasati Ajmal “Towards a More Beautiful School” competition were announced today by the USAID-funded Yarmouk Community Enhancement Team (CET).  The winners were Al-Seeleh Secondary School for Girls, Kharja Secondary School for Boys, Khadeeja Bint Khuwailed Elementary School for Girls, Al-Khairiyeh Mixed Elementary School, and Um Kalthoum Mixed Elementary School.

The competition encouraged and equipped communities to develop ways to improve and beautify local school environments using funds provided by USAID’s Community Engagement Project (CEP). Students, faculty, parents, and community members were encouraged to seek outside partnerships to augment activities.

Winners received vouchers to cover the cost of one educational or recreational piece of equipment based on school needs. The schools were selected based on criteria such as message content, creativity, partner contribution, number of participants, and collaboration with other schools.

The 20 participating secondary and primary schools addressed concerns including the deterioration of school property, poor sanitation, and lack of resources caused by rapid increases in student enrolment.

“I look forward to seeing how these community efforts are reflected across Irbid as a whole in order to maintain this wonderful partnership between schools and the local community,” said USAID/Jordan Mission Director Beth Paige.   

Irbid City Center sponsored the prizes, which were awarded to the schools by Dr. Bani Amer, Director of Education for the Bani Kinana Directorate.

The ceremony was also attended by Irbid Governor H. E. Hassan Al Assaf and Yarmouk Mayor Mr. Mohammad Al-Zoubi.