Articles/Articoli
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2024): Special Education, Third Mission and Social Impact: Reflections and practices for an inclusive community
Inclusive action in an international setting: A universal value and individual commitment. The 'Bridges in Amman' Project
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Abstract
The dissemination of inclusive educational principles, practices, and methods on an international scale constitutes a vital academic and pedagogical discourse, highlighting a universal commitment to cultivating educational environments that are equitable, accessible, and responsive to all learners’ diverse needs. The “Bridges in Amman” project exemplifies the global movement towards inclusive education, focusing on the integration of Iraqi Christian asylum seekers in Jordan, notably in its capital, Amman. Spearheaded by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in collaboration with HAbibi VAltiberina Association and the Gemelli Medical Center, the initiative underscores the commitment to developing inclusive education, with particular attention to people in vulnerable situations. Inclusivity in education transcends the mere acknowledgment of diversity; it necessitates the adoption of practices, principles, and methods that ensure all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances, have access to quality education. This is crucial for groups like Iraqi Christians in Jordan, who face unique challenges due to displacement and the need for cultural and social integration.
References
- Ainscow M. (2020). Promoting inclusion and equity in education: lessons from international experiences. Nordic Journal of Studies in Educational Policy, 6(1): 7-16.
- Amr M. (2011). Teacher education for inclusive education in the Arab world: The case of Jordan. Prospects, 41: 399-413.
- Armstrong A.C., Armstrong D., Spandagou, I. (2009). Inclusive education: International policy & practice. London: Sage.
- Al Shawabkeh H.A. (2022). Trends of teachers in the basic stage towards integrating persons with disabilities into regular schools in Jordan. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6: 785-801.
- Benson S.K. (2020). The evolution of Jordanian inclusive education policy and practice. In: FIRE: Forum for International Research in Education, 6(1).
- Booth T., Ainscow M. (2014). The Index for Inclusion: Developing Learning and Participation in Schools. Bristol: Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education (CSIE).
- Elkhatib N., Elkhatib R.N. (2021). Constitutional Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan. AAU Journal of Business and Law, 5(1). Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/aaujbl/vol5/iss1/2.
- Engelbrecht P. (2013). Teacher education for inclusion, international perspectives. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 28(2): 115-118.
- Hi, IMMAP (2018). Removing barriers: the path towards inclusive access: disability assessment among Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. Jordan report, in https://data.humdata.org.
- HI.ORG (2022). Disability-Inclusive Education in Jordan, https://www.hi.org/ sn_uploads/document/IE_Jordan_Factsheet_April-2022_Final.pdf.
- Koryakina T., Sarrico C.S., Teixeira P.N. (2015). Universities’ third mission activities: Challenges to extending boundaries. The transformation of university institutional and organizational boundaries, 5(3): 316-330, Doi: 10.1080/21568235.2015.1044544.
- Melhem T.Y., Isa Z.M. (2013). Special education in Jordan: Reality and expectations. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 3(7): 414-422.
- Rodriguez J. (2021). Moving towards inclusive education for all: Examining stakeholder perceptions of educating students with special needs in schools operated by the Jordan Field of the UNRWA. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 68(2): 240-258.
- Siam K., Al-Natour M. (2016). Teacher’s Differentiated Instruction Practices and Implementation Challenges for Learning Disabilities in Jordan. International Education Studies, 9(12): 167- 181 Doi: 10.5539/ies.v9n12p167.
- UNICEF (2020). Jordan Country Report on Out-of-School Children. Middle East and North Africa Out-of-School Children Initiative, https://www.unicef.org/jordan/reports/jordan-country-report-out-school-children.