Inclusion is the foundation of a thriving society. When education and the arts are accessible to all, they foster self-expression, economic opportunity, and social cohesion. Yet, barriers such as geographic isolation, limited resources, and disability continue to restrict access. The British Council is committed to embedding inclusive practices into education and cultural programmes, ensuring that learning and creative opportunities reach those who need them most.
Expanding Access to English Language Development
In Jordan, thousands of teachers face challenges in accessing professional development, particularly those outside major cities. Through the British Council's Teaching for Success initiative, co-funded with the Jordanian Ministry of Education, 3,000 public school teachers will receive training annually through 2027. This initiative strengthens teaching practices across urban and rural areas, improving learning outcomes for students and addressing professional development gaps. Digital tools and remote learning further expand access, ensuring educators in the most remote regions can benefit.
In refugee camps including Zaatari, Azraq, and Emirati, Empowering Futures provides tailored training to help teachers transition from traditional methods to student-centred approaches. This programme equips educators with strategies for differentiated instruction, student motivation, and trauma-informed teaching, critical in resource-limited environments. Beyond the classroom, after-school clubs provide academic support and safe spaces for self-expression to enrich students’ learning experiences, while strong community engagement ensures that parents and local networks play an active role in students’ learning journeys.
Strengthening Youth Leadership and Civic Inclusion
Youth Connect is helping shape a generation of changemakers by placing radical inclusion at the centre of youth leadership. In 2024, the project reached over 800 young people, women, people with disabilities, and community stakeholders across six regions in Jordan. With over 60% female participation and 3% from individuals with disabilities, Youth Connect equips young leaders with the tools and mindset to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Through 26 youth-led Collective Action Projects, participants tackled issues including employability, climate change, youth rights, and access to arts and culture. These initiatives directly impacted more than 1,000 people and reached over 340,000 indirectly. By prioritising civic engagement and inclusive leadership, Youth Connect is not only amplifying young voices, it is building a movement of youth-led transformation and resilience that continues to grow.
Making the Arts More Inclusive
An estimated 11 percent of Jordanians aged five and above have a disability, yet most cultural venues remain inaccessible, limiting participation in the arts. Since 2021, the British Council has embedded inclusion into Jordan’s arts sector through the Culture Responds to Global Challenges programme. In collaboration with organisations such as the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Art to Heart Palestine, and University of Birmingham Dubai, artists with disabilities receive training, exhibition opportunities, and platforms to showcase their work.
In November 2024, the Art and Disability Summit brought together over 30 cultural leaders in Amman to develop a roadmap for a more inclusive arts sector. The accompanying Art and Disability Exhibition attracted over 500 visitors, featuring work from 12 regional initiatives. As a result, the National Art and Disability Advisory Group was established to implement long-term strategies for accessibility. In 2025, the second Masarat Art and Disability Grants Scheme will provide financial support to local art initiatives that champion inclusion.
Advancing Inclusion in Higher Education
Over the past five years, more than 500 academics from across Jordanian universities have taken part in capacity-building workshops aimed at strengthening institutional quality and international collaboration. Gender equality has been a central focus, with nine grants supporting projects that address the underrepresentation of women in academic leadership and improve access to employment for female graduates. These efforts contribute to building more inclusive and globally connected higher education systems that can drive long-term social and economic development.
Strengthening Partnerships for Lasting Impact
From classrooms and communities to galleries and universities, inclusive approaches are helping individuals and communities grow and participate more fully in society. When young people lead, educators are empowered, and underrepresented voices are heard, the result is lasting, locally driven change. Through education, arts, and youth programmes, inclusive practice is becoming embedded in systems and institutions, expanding opportunities and fostering resilience. The work continues through strong partnerships and shared commitment to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has the chance to learn, create, and contribute to a more inclusive society.
By: Alaa Qattam, Head of Arts - Levant, British Council