Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context
Public schools in Jordan face among the lowest learning outcomes in the world, with inequalities in terms of gender, nationality, geography, and socioeconomic status. Schools face issues of violence and poor attendance, teacher burnout, and lack of motivation in overcrowded schools - exacerbated by the reintroduction of double-shift following the Syrian refugee influx.
Solution
The Masahati Student Clubs (MSC) is Madrasati’s structured after-school program for marginalized students in Grades 4-10 in underserved public schools. The Proud to Be a Teacher (PtBT) program complements MSC by supporting teacher development and improving the school climate. MSC is implemented as after-school clubs on Saturdays or during the week after school hours. 100 students are selected based on certain criteria to take part in clubs per school and per semester. Four clubs are selected, covering human rights, civics, photography, career guidance, and sports. The program runs for 10 weeks per semester, and teachers are trained to implement and run the clubs. They are also paid additional stipends throughout the cycle.
Impact
By the end of September 2022, MSC had been implemented in 135 schools, reaching 22,731 students. Since 2016, the program has also helped support over 580 teachers through training and stipends. All participants, including caregivers, students, teachers, and headteachers, considered that the program influences positive behavior change. This behavior change, in turn, positively influences relationships between students and caregivers, as well as between students and their surrounding communities. Caregivers stated that their children were more responsible at home, more engaged, and cared more about their studies. Students reported that the clubs inspired them to think about their futures and possible careers. Teachers also felt that the program had a positive impact on them, reporting increased confidence in their jobs and in their ability to manage classrooms.