The president of Yarmouk University, Dr. Zeidan Kafafi, congratulates Jordan, the king and the army on the 64th anniversary of the Arabisation of the leadership of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, which falls on March 1.
Kafafi recalled this great decision by His Majesty the late King Hussein as an important turning point in the history of Jordan paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Arab Army in defence of the country.
Kafafi also commended the King’s continuous efforts to support the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) as well as the security agencies as protectors of the nation and its values.
On behalf of the President of Yarmouk University, the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Prof. Anis Khasawneh, patronized the opening of the scientific workshop, “What are the solutions to the problem of protracted displacement?”, which was organized by the university in cooperation with the Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC) and the Michelin Institute (CMI). This event was held as part of the project: "Transnational Figurations of Displacement (TRAFIG)", which is one of the 2020 Horizon projects funded by the European Union.
Prof. Khasawneh emphasized Yarmouk's pride in being a representative of Jordan in participating in this project, which aims at illuminating policymakers by providing them with recent information on the quality of life of the displaced and how to enhance their capacity for self-reliance. He also stated that this project is one of the innovation projects that started in 2019 and will end in 2021 with the participation of 12 organizations and institutions from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Khasawneh then emphasized how the project views local and cross-border networks as sources that benefit the displaced in their daily lives. Moreover, Khasawneh stressed Yarmouk’s long experience in dealing with asylum and displacement issues through its Center for Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Forced Migration. The university’s strategy, he declared, is concerned with conducting specialized studies and scientific research in this field in cooperation with various international organizations and local institutions.
In turn, Dr. Fawaz Al-Momani, the project coordinator at the university, explained that this workshop presents the results of the initial research for the TRAFIG project. It also analyzes these results through the participants who are activists in the field of development/ humanitarian work, international organizations, representatives of Jordanian national institutions, and academics. Dr. Fawaz shed some light on how TRAFIG seeks to improve refugee protection and resilience and aims at enhancing confidence and cooperation between refugees and their host communities through investigating four research areas: ruling regimes, living in harsh conditions, tracking the network of relationships, and building alliances. Then he mentioned that the research team for the project includes Dr. Rashid Al-Jarrah, Dr. Tamara Yaqoub, Dr. Raghda Al-Faouri, Dr. Ali Audat, Dr. Rasha Al-Hosban, Woroud Awad, Rola Masad, Ahmed Shdaifat and Khaled Al-Momani.
In turn, Marion Nowak of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) praised the efforts of the research team from Yarmouk University, noting that this project will be the beginning of long-term cooperation relations with Yarmouk University. Noteworthy here that the workshop included a presentation of the project objectives made by Dr. Benjamin Etzold and Marion Nowak, and it also incorporated a discussion of the results of the preliminary research presented by Dr. Sarah Tobin, Dr. Ari John Knudsen, and Dr. Fawaz Momani.
In the presence of the University President, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, and the Irish Ambassador in Amman, Dr. Vincent O'Neill, the Department of International Relations and Projects at Yarmouk University organized the activities of Yarmouk University International Week. The opening ceremony was attended by the Nigerian Ambassador in Amman, the Vice-Chancellor for Administrative Affairs, Humanitarian Faculties Affairs, several deans, faculty members, and a crowd of students. Kafafi welcomed the participants in the first Yarmouk International Week and stated that it will be a platform for partnerships, networking, and exchange of best practices and experiences among all participating institutions and universities. He then reviewed the development of Yarmouk and emphasized its vision to achieving balance between the humanities on the one hand and the scientific, engineering, and medical specialties on the other hand. He also pointed out the considerable interest of Yarmouk to provide its students with outstanding teaching levels, community service opportunities, extracurricular activities, and promotion of innovation. He concluded that the university’s main goal is to produce productive young people of integrity, vision, and entrepreneurial thinking.
For his part, the Irish Ambassador, Dr. Vincent O'Neill, talked about the role of higher education in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. He pointed out that Ireland is one of the new countries that was able to build a strong economy and take its investment position among international companies. O’Neill then stressed out that the success of the state of Ireland, despite its recent history, is attributed to the nation's commitment to deepen its global ties and internationalization at various levels. O'Neill pointed out that the Irish economy grew faster after joining the United Nations in 1955 because of its belief in achieving human welfare and development. Then he said that there are many similarities between Ireland and Jordan: Both are small countries that are linked to multiple international relations and have been able to build distinct security and safety system for themselves. He then recommended that in order to benefit from its international relations, Jordan must access international markets and strengthen its trade ties.
In his turn, the Director of the Department of International Relations and Projects, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Yarmouk International Week, Dr. Mowaffaq Al-Ottoum said that the activities of the week, which includes more than 115 participants from Jordan and more than 50 participants from outside Jordan representing 23 countries, focuses on the internationalization of higher education. He explained that such an event will promote entrepreneurship opportunities through exchange programs and capacity-building projects and will strengthen the link between industry and scientific research.
Under Royal directives, Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Thursday presented the Faculty of Mass Communication at Yarmouk University with an Outside-Broadcast Van (OB Van) equipped with the latest TV production technology.
Issawi highlighted His Majesty's continuous directives to support students and empower them through qualitative education which provides them with job opportunities, adding that the theoretical sciences they receive should translate into practical application, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
During the ceremony, Issawi expressed his appreciation to the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV), from which a team will supervise the training of the university staff and students to manage and operate the OB Van.
For his part, President of Yarmouk University Zaidan Kafafi stressed that this gesture confirms the Royal interest in science and education, and His Majesty’s keenness to advance the media profession as a building tool for the Kingdom.
JRTV Director General Muhammad Balqar affirmed that the corporation “puts all its technical expertise” at the disposal of the Faculty of Mass Communication at Yarmouk University.
He stressed that Jordan TV will provide the faculty with experts to undertake the process of training its technical staff and students in the operation, management and use of the OB van.
Jordan TV will “continuously follow up” with the faculty to train its staff and students and ensure the “optimal and qualitative usage” of the van in adherence to international specifications, he added.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, participated in the meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World in its twenty-third session, which was held at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. During the meeting chaired by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Director of the Governmental Relations Department, the Council discussed a report of the Secretary-General of the Union on the activities carried out by the Union General Secretariat between the twenty-second and twenty-third sessions of the Union. The Council also reviewed the financial report of the Union for the year 2018, then discussed a report of the Secretary-General on the reality of the Union and its prospects of the future. In addition, it discussed the requests of several universities in the Islamic world that are willing to join the union.
Remarkably, the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World was established in 1987 in Rabat. It operates within the framework of the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and includes 347 universities and higher institutes. For the period 2017-2019, Yarmouk was elected as a member of the Executive Council of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World from among 300 Islamic universities.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, inaugurated the exhibition of "Threatened Archeology in the Middle East and North Africa", EAMENA project, which is implemented by the university's Faculty of Archeology and Anthropology in cooperation with the universities of Oxford, Leicester, and Durham in the United Kingdom. During the exhibition’s opening, Prof. Kafafi appreciated the great efforts made by the project’s executives and pointed to the university’s keenness to strengthen the cooperation links with various prestigious international universities. Conducting scientific projects and research of common interest, he stated, contributes to exchanging experiences and harnessing competencies in the service of scientific research, which reflects on the progress of humanity and the development of societies.
He then emphasized that Yarmouk University is the pioneer in the field of preserving the cultural heritage in Jordan and maintaining heritage sites and that it is through the distinguished scientific competencies of the faculty members in the Faculty of Archeology and Anthropology that the university seeks to play its role in serving the local community and discovering the rich cultural heritage that abounds in various regions of the Kingdom. He also mentioned that Yarmouk attempts to work with the competent authorities to educate citizens about the necessity of reviving these places and their participation in preserving them.
The Dean of the Faculty of Archeology and Anthropology, Dr. Hani Hayajneh, presented a briefing on the "Threatened Archeology in the Middle East and North Africa", EAMENA project that started in 2015 as a result of the cooperation between Yarmouk University and the universities of Oxford, Leicester, and British Durham. He then explained that the working group used satellite imagery, aerial photography, and field visits to record the archaeological sites, assess their condition, and document information on a database called "Mega G" that is available on the Internet. Hayajneh also stressed that documenting and recording pictures of heritage sites enables people to understand the past and its link with our lives today.
In return, the training director of the project in Jordan and Palestine, Dr. Azadah Vavadari of Oxford University, reviewed the stages of implementing the project, which aims at increasing people's awareness of the value of archeology and cultural heritage. She then noted that a number of specialists in the field of archeology have been trained in a number of countries in the Middle East and North Africa, of whom 21 were Jordanians, on how to use new technologies in the management and protection of heritage and on how to interpret satellite images with the aim of preparing records for archaeological sites. She explained that the project is being implemented with funding from the Arcadia Fund and the British Council's Cultural Heritage Protection Fund, in partnership with the Department of Digital Affairs, Culture, Information, and Sports.
Noteworthy that the exhibition was attended by the Vice President of the University for Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Fawaz Abdel Haq, the Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Amal Naseer, the Director of the project training in Egypt Dr. Mohamed Kenawi from the University of Oxford, , a number of faculty members at the faculty, and a crowd of students.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, met the French ambassador, Veronique Volan and the accompanying delegation, who visited the university to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in several areas of mutual interest. During the meeting, Kafafi reviewed the history of Yarmouk's cooperation relationships with the French embassy in Amman as well as the various universities, institutes, and educational institutions in France. He then stressed Yarmouk's keenness to maintain such cooperation and develop it in the field of exchanging scientific visits particularly, as this will help students learn about the French culture/ civilization, exchange experiences and knowledge, reflect experiences in the educational process at the university, and transfer new knowledge to colleagues.
Also, Prof. Kafafi acknowledged the embassy’s support of the master's program in the French language that is managed by the University’s Faculty of Arts. He then thanked the embassy for their help in providing the Department of Modern Languages with teachers of the French language. Moreover, Kafafi emphasized Yarmouk’s willingness to host French students in several postgraduate programs and fields like media, tourism, archeology, and law. He then pointed out the possibility of providing an opportunity for students of Al-Hijjawi Faculty of Technology Engineering to spend a period of field training at a French institution or company. He explained that such a strategy should inform students about the nature of the international labor market, improve their skills, and open major opportunities for them to get involved in the labor market. In addition, Kafafi asked for the possibility of sending a number of the Faculty members of al-Shari'a Faculty to spend the summer semester in one of the French colleges, institutes, or centers that are concerned with the study of Islamic religion.
Moreover, Kafafi pointed out that Yarmouk is devoted to developing and updating its academic plans for all proposed academic programs and to creating new academic programs that keep pace with developments in the world considering the information revolution. He then expressed the possibility of opening new horizons for cooperation with the scientific centers hosted by Yarmouk University like the Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Forced Migration Studies Center. He suggested that partners can implement development projects that provide care, education, and rehabilitation opportunities for Jordanians and Syrian refugees.
In turn, Volan praised the distinguished scientific reputation of Yarmouk University and its cooperative relations with various French universities in the fields of archeology and tourism. Volan then expressed the embassy’s willingness to expand cooperation between Yarmouk and French universities by increasing the number of students from Yarmouk studying in France in all academic specializations and hosting professors of Sharia and Islamic studies at French research centers that focus on religions and Islamic studies. Also, she appreciated the level of cooperation between the embassy and the Department of Modern Languages and expressed the embassy’s willingness to support the master's program of the French language at the department. In addition, she appreciated Yarmouk's interest in collaborating regarding the support of Syrian refugees in Jordan through the Menca project, which aims at encouraging distinguished university students to apply for scholarships offered through the website of the French embassy in Amman to complete their studies in France.
Interestingly, during her visit to the university, the ambassador met the students of the modern languages department. She spoke with them about the educational opportunities available to students wishing to complete their higher university studies in France. She also emphasized the availability of certain training opportunities for students at the French cultural Institute in Amman. However, the meeting was attended by the Vice-Presidents of the University, Prof. Ahmad Al-Ajlouni, Prof. Anis Khasawneh, the Political attaché at the French Embassy in Amman, Julian Cliche, the University Cooperation attaché at the French Embassy in Amman, Katrina Sabatini Cliche, and several deans and directors at the university.
Yarmouk University is celebrating His Majesty King Abdullah’s 58th birthday. The university sent a cable of congratulations to His Majesty the King on his auspicious birthday and in support of his positions on Jerusalem.
Born in Amman on January 30, 1962, King Abdullah is the eldest son of His Majesty the late King Hussein and HRH Princess Muna.
A Royal Decree was issued on January 24, 1999, naming him Crown Prince. He assumed his constitutional powers as King on February 7, 1999, upon the passing of His Majesty the late King Hussein.
King Abdullah began his primary education at the Islamic Educational College in Amman and later attended St. Edmund’s School in Surrey, England. His secondary education took place at Eaglebrook School and Deerfield Academy in the US.
King Abdullah joined the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in 1980 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1981.
He joined the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army in 1982, moving up the ranks in the military to become commander of the Royal Jordanian Special Forces and Special Operations.
He also served with the Royal Jordanian Air Force Anti-Tank Wing, where he received his wings in addition to his qualification as a Cobra attack pilot.
In 1987, the King joined the faculty at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Washington, DC, and completed an advanced research and study programme in international affairs alongside a Master’s Degree in Foreign Service affairs.
The King rejoined the military in 1989, becoming commander of the Royal Jordanian Special Forces and Special Operations in 1994 with the rank of Brigadier General.
In 1996, the King restructured the Special Forces to comprise selected units and was promoted to the rank of Major General in 1998.
King Abdullah married Her Majesty Queen Rania on June 10, 1993, and they have four children: Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem.
Since his accession to the Throne in 1999, King Abdullah has focused on enhancing the capabilities of citizens, enriching the concept of respect and dignity of citizens, ensuring the sovereignty of the law, realising equality and justice and equal opportunities for citizens, in addition to focusing on pushing the development process forward and highlighting the effective role of Jordan at the international level.
In November, 2018, His Majesty was the first head of state to be awarded the Templeton Prize, a prestigious award granted in appreciation for his exceptional efforts to promote interfaith harmony, safeguard Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites and protect religious freedom.
Last year, King Abdullah’s declaration to terminate the annexes on the Baqoura and Ghumar areas to Israelis in the peace treaty and imposing full Jordanian sovereignty on them constituted a political victory for the Jordanian diplomacy based on the Kingdom’s constants to take all necessary procedures for Jordan and Jordanians.
On January 15, His Majesty delivered an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, covering a number of regional and international concerns.
The Jordanian students team consisting of Mansour Al-Hamoud from the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science at Yarmouk University, Zaid Affanah and Muhammad Abu Shukr from Princess Sumaya University of Technology, won the third place of the Huawei Global Competition for 2019 from among 13 teams that included 39 students from various countries of the Middle East. This gathering, which took place in China, attracted more than 21 thousand students from 437 colleges and universities from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Jordanian Ambassador in Beijing, Hossam Al-Husseini, and the President of Huawei in the Middle East, Charles Yang, handed over the students their awards. The ambassador then congratulated the Jordanian team on their victory in achieving this rank in the Huawei competition and expressed his pride in the level of students participating in this team, which represents the ambitious and proactive Jordanian youth. He then praised Huawei's efforts to support young cadres and owners of creative ideas.
Elaborating on the event, Prof. Kafafi congratulated the winners of the competition and expressed Yarmouk's pride for its distinguished students who have proven their merit and academic excellence in various competitions at the local, Arab, and international levels. He also stressed the university's keenness to support its creative students, guide their educational career, and qualify them with the scientific skills necessary to raise their level of competitiveness.
The preparation of scientific competencies in various fields of knowledge, and the production of innovative scientific research aims to serve society by providing exemplary education in an intellectually stimulating university environment.
