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Middle East

The Middle East is a region consisting of many diverse nations where, in recent years, democratic elections have been conducted, allowing people to exercise more independence. With illiteracy at an all- time high, many nations in the Middle East have started to focus attention on the expansion of educational opportunities for both women and children. Many nations in the Middle East have set goals to increase literacy in the region by 2015.

Middle East Regional Highlights

  • In 2002, Yemen instituted a Basic Education Development Strategy in which Education for All was a primary initiative. A focus has been placed on educating girls.
  • Literacy rates in Jordan have increased in recent years due to the expansion of kindergarten programs.
  • In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, educational standards have been revised to increase the quality of teaching and student performance. A major initiative was started in 2000, to increase educational technology at all levels.

Nations In Depth

Oman

In Oman, public education provided by the state became a cornerstone in 1996. Since then, strategic educational plans have focused on decentralization, increased evaluation, expansion of private school education, and ensuring quality education is achieved at all levels. pdf Learn more here

Qatar

Steady educational gains have been made in Qatar, with the government investing around $13.5 million in an overall literacy plan. In addition, plans have recently been carried out to develop more school libraries and increase the level of technology available in the classroom. In 2001, the government began focusing on reforming the educational system to improve the current standards and to ensure the development of a new, rigorous curriculum. Learn more here

United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.)

The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is currently focusing on the strategic goals outlined in the Education Vision 2020 document. The Ministry of Education is developing ways to increase productivity, educational incentives, infrastructure, and societal partnerships. In 2005, an independent council was established to address educational initiatives, including attention to quality public education. Learn more here