Amideast is pleased to join the U.S. Department of State and three Jordanian organizations in announcing the launch of the American Language Center (ALC) program in four cities across Jordan: Ma’an, Mafraq, Irbid, and East Amman.
The ALC program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) in fulfillment of its commitment to youth economic development in Jordan. It will be managed by Amideast/Jordan in partnership with three Jordanian organizations: Al Qantara Center for Human Resources Development, New Approach for Training and Development (NATD), and the Jordan Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD).
The four American Language Centers will enable thousands of Jordanians in Ma’an, Mafraq, Irbid, and East Amman to improve their English language proficiency, enhance their cultural awareness and engage in the peaceful exchange of ideas, ultimately fostering greater opportunities for meaningful employment, career advancement, and expanded cross-cultural understanding. ALC English and cultural programs are designed to empower students with the knowledge, attitudes, English language skills, and 21st-century skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving to thrive in Jordan’s labor market.
As Jordan pursues its 2022 Economic Growth Plan, the skills gap between the needs of the labor market and the abilities of job-seeking youth, women, people with disabilities, and working adults will continue to widen. By offering quality instruction that is affordable and inclusive, and introducing innovative cultural programming to these diverse locations, the American Language Centers will support the Jordanian government’s efforts to close the skills gap among these communities in Ma’an, Mafraq, Irbid, and East Amman.
“Amideast is honored to receive the trust and support of the U.S. Department of State to manage the establishment of this network of American Language Centers in Jordan together with our local partners. The ALC offers an excellent model for how we can provide a sustainable approach for addressing Jordan’s critical need for affordable, accessible, and quality English language programming,” said Nour Alrasheed, Amideast’s country director for Jordan.
For more information on the ALCs and on the English language instruction and other activities that will be launched in March 2023, visit the ALC webpage.
