The Faculty of Tourism and Hotels at Yarmouk University hosted a delegation from the Romanian University of Timisoara, who visited Yarmouk in an attempt to recognize the academic experience of the Faculty and its development.
The delegation met with faculty members and students, introduced the opportunities of studying at the University of Timisoara, and discussed the means of academic and scientific cooperation between the two universities, especially in the sector of tourism and hotels, which are vital for supporting the national economy of any country.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Shannak, the Dean of the Faculty, stressed the school's keen efforts to cooperate with its counterparts in prestigious international universities and exchange experiences and knowledge, as such a policy helps the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels to meet the criteria of obtaining international accreditation, which is part of Yarmouk's philosophy and vision to attaining universality.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II attended on Tuesday the graduation ceremony of the 40th class of post-graduate students at Yarmouk University for the academic year 2018/2019, where he handed over certificates to 226 graduates.
In a speech delivered at the ceremony, Crown Prince Al Hussein stressed that Jordan, built by the will and determination of the ancestors, will continue progressing through the ambition and resolve of young people who are the homeland’s most precious asset.
Addressing the graduates His Royal Highness said: “Jordan now looks to you, awaiting your positive role in its progress. Do not withhold your determination. Be ambitious for yourselves and for Jordan. Carve your way through rock when obstacles face you. Support students in the classrooms and soldiers on the borders with your knowledge and spirit; for the homeland—my brothers and sisters—is our most precious asset.”
Following is the full translation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II’s speech:
“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,
Prayers and peace be upon our Prophet Mohammad,
University President,
Dear graduates,
Students and faculty of Yarmouk University,
Distinguished guests,
Peace, God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.
I am delighted to be among you today, to join the fortieth graduating class at Yarmouk University, and to be in Irbid, a precious city that is very dear to our hearts—the Irbid of the past, present and future.
I am proud and humbled to be speaking to you here from the same podium where my grandfather Al Hussein—may his soul rest in peace—and my father His Majesty King Abdullah II—may God grant him long life—once stood and addressed the vanguard of young Jordanian graduates.
Brothers and sisters,
Congratulations on graduating. Congratulations on your success. May success be your permanent companion. May you excel and succeed further. A thousand congratulations!
There is no doubt that your journey has not been easy, and would not have been possible without having the opportunity and ambition. When ambition and opportunity meet, success is guaranteed.
I will begin with opportunity, because those who gave it to you—and the credit belongs to them after God—are here with us today. Their eyes are full of joy and pride, for they have sacrificed so that you receive an education, and they have spent sleepless nights and prayed night and day for you. I speak on behalf of all graduates when I say to the parents out here: Thank you, from every son and daughter. Your blessings, your pride, and your trust have always been the driving force. Thank you for your support and sacrifice.
As for ambition, I see an abundance of it here. You have persevered and worked hard day and night for years to get here today. Your ambition, like that of your homeland, does not take the easy way out.
Jordan’s ambition is the ambition of its sons and daughters. Our ancestors did not find easy fortune, so they worked hard, carving cities out of rock. They studied, passed on the knowledge, and travelled the world with their experience. No one can deny the capabilities and professionalism of Jordanians, nor their ability to withstand adversity.
This determination is inspired by our values and our principled positions that keep Jordanians strong and unshakable despite difficult challenges—always unwavering on our principles, priorities, and, above all, our dignity.
This is why Jordan, its leadership and people, will not relinquish the custodianship of holy sites in Jerusalem.
This is why Jordan welcomes those seeking refuge with open borders and open arms.
This is why Jordan is the most beautiful, the most secure, and the most harmonious, despite everything.
Distinguished guests,
Jordan's ambition and its principled positions are the guarantees of its progress.
Today, the world is witnessing rapid changes and economic challenges. Our country is no exception. The future may seem ambiguous, but we are absolutely certain that Jordan did not and will not take any step backwards. It will continue to move forward, as it always does.
Graduates,
As scholars, you—and all the young men and women of this generation—are entrusted with this nation, which, in turn, is fully confident in your persistence to participate in its progress and to base your decisions on facts and reliable information.
Do not allow suspicion and destructive views to kill your dreams. Carve out your own path to open up new horizons. Here, I will quote what His Majesty said from this very podium: “In the future, you will be the ones who create job opportunities, not those who seek them.”
Distinguished guests,
This nation was built and has progressed through the ambition and determination of our parents and grandparents, because they believed in Jordan; they believed that they themselves are its most precious asset. And you, the youth of this nation, are its most precious asset. You are its fortitude and hope, no matter what the sceptics and the cynics may claim.
Jordan now looks to you, awaiting your positive role in its progress. Do not withhold your determination. Be ambitious for yourselves and for Jordan. Carve your way through rock when obstacles face you. Support students in the classrooms and soldiers on the borders with your knowledge and spirit; for the homeland—my brothers and sisters—is our most precious asset.
With the support of the French Embassy in Amman and the Francophone University Association, the President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zidane Kafafi, met Salma Kojok, a training expert at the Goncourt International Prize, who was visiting the University to hold a workshop for students of the Department of Modern Languages.
During the meeting, Prof. Kafafi thanked the French Embassy in Amman and the Francophone Association for their support of holding such a workshop, which aims at introducing the University students to the Goncourt International Prize and encouraging them to apply for it. He added that Yarmouk is interested in involving its students in such competitions at the regional and international levels, as such participations have significant role in developing students' personalities and skills and enriching their scientific and cultural achievements, thus raising their competitiveness among their peers in the local as well as worldwide labor market.
In her turn, Kogok pointed out the importance of holding this workshop, which contributes to improving students' level in writing in French and enriching their cultural and scientific achievements.
Likewise, Dr. Batoul Mohaisen, the Head of the Department of Modern Languages and the Representative of the Francophone Association at the University, emphasized that the workshop effectively enhances the writing skills of students and stimulates them to write creatively. Also, she explained that the workshop lasts for two days with five- hour training per day and involves 16 students of the Department of Modern Languages.
This meeting was attended by Dr. Mohammed Bani Dumi, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and other officials of the University.
The Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Sciences and the Faculty of Hijjawi for Engineering held an awards ceremony for the CFP projects at Yarmouk University under the Grant scheme of the HOPES projects. The two projects, “Transferring E-Business Fundamentals to Syrian Refugees (TEFSR)” and “Providing Fundamental ICT Skills for Syrian Refugees (PFISR)”, are implemented by Yarmouk University as part of the Grant scheme of the HOPES project funded by European Union’s Regional Trust fund in repose to the Syrian Crisis, the ‘Madad Fund’. They are implemented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) together with the British Council, Campus France and Nuffic.
Dr. Nasser Hindawi, Director of HOPES projects in Jordan, highlighted the importance of HOPES grants to Syrian refugees in Jordan. He also asserts about the importance of such projects which can open new horizons for Syrian students in Jordanian universities. In addition, These projects can help them to build a strong career path to cope with the crisis in their country and country of displacement. The projects aim to transfer basic skills in web applications, networking, e-commerce, and computer maintenance to Syrian refugees and local community members. The dean of Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering, Prof. Ahmad Al-Shamali also pointed to the importance of this type of project and support in the development of the local community and host communities.
Dr. Amani Shatnawi from the Faculty of Information Technology presented the most important accomplishments and results achieved during the period of implementation of the projects, which showed that more than 300 students and students from the Syrian community and refugees were graduated. In accordance with the university plan to rehabilitate the students to the labor market and provide them with the necessary knowledge and expertise, more than 150 students were subjected to the intensive training program to be a trainer for trainees (ToT). Some students presented their achievements, including the student Muhannad Bani Issa from Syrian, he developed an e-commerce website for the sale of German cosmetic products, Khalid and student Mohammed Mohsen from Syria talked about the skills they are obtained in the field of computer maintenance and computer networks, that they had an impact on finding job opportunities in related to these fields.
Dr. Nasser Hendawi and Dr. Naimah Hasban from the HOPES office in Jordan and Prof. Ahmed Al-Shamali have distributed certificates to the participants. The projects team included Dr. Amani Shatnawi and Dr. Anas AlSobeh from the Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Science, and Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Jarrah, Dr. Abdulkarim Al-Tamimi and Dr. Amin Al-Jarrah from the Faculty of Hijjawi for Technological Engineering.
The President of Yarmouk University, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, sponsored the inauguration of the conference: "The Importance of English Language in Humanities", which was organized by the Department of English Language and Literature at Yarmouk University celebrating the International Day of English.
In his concise talk, Prof. Kafafi stressed the importance of the English language at present and how it stands as a global language that is widely used in the political, scientific, literary, and cultural aspects of our modern life. Referring to the main differences between Old and Modern English, he stated that English has always been the lingua franca and the most appropriate means of communication among the different peoples.
Also, Prof. Kafafi praised the distinguished academic level of the English Language and Literature Department at the university and how its academic staff members exert their best efforts to teach the students the many language skills needed for everyday life communication. He then encouraged the academic staff members of the English Department to cooperate with academic staff members of other faculties and continue organizing various cultural events using English.
In his turn, Prof. Fawaz Abdul Haq, the Vice President for Student Affairs and External Communication, said that English proficiency in writing, reading, and listening is essential for students of English as such a language is the medium of communication among communities. As the head of the standards-setting group for the English language curriculum in Jordan, Prof. Abdel-Haq likewise emphasized the importance of making a radical change in the English language curricula by getting rid of the traditional methods of teaching, such as lecturing and memorization, so that students can learn different language skills in the school stage.
For his part, Prof. Mohamed Beni Doumi, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, called for more efforts from the academic staff members of the English Department to establish a PhD program in English, which should enable students to complete their PhD studies at Yarmouk University, something which will contribute to the academic reputation of the University as well as its English Department.
As a representative of the Department of English Language and Literature at Yarmouk University, Dr. Lutfi Abu Al-Haijaa, the head of the Department, stressed the importance of the English language in the various fields of humanities and called the students for taking advantage of the activities of this day and reflecting such knowledge on their academic life. He then appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee, namely Dr. Hussein Obaidat, Dr. Aya Akkaawi, Dr. Malek Zuraikat, and Dr. Eqab Shawashreh.
However, the conference included three sessions. The first one was chaired by Dr. Lutfi Abu Al-Hijaa and included several papers, namely "Teaching American Literature" by Dr. Ghada Saasa, "The Role of British Documents in the Study of Modern Jordanian History" by Dr. Ahmed Jowarneh and Dr. Jabr Al-Khatib, "The Role of English in the Integration of Knowledge of Political Sciences" by Dr. Khair Al-Thiabat, and "English for Social Workers: A Need or a Luxury" by Dr. Ayat Nashwan.
The second session was chaired by Dr. Aya Akkawi and included several papers, namely "The Importance of English in Social and Cultural Studies" by Dr. Ruba Al-Akash, "The Importance of English in the Study of History" by Dr. Mohammed Al-Mazawdeh, "The Importance of English in Political Sciences" by Dr. Ayman Al-Hayaajneh, "The English Language in Hebrew Literature" by Dr. Mahmoud Al-Amaraat, and "Speech of Conviction" by Dr. Mahmoud Kannakri.
The third session was chaired by Dr. Rashid Al Jarrah and included several papers, namely "Between English and Arabic in the Language Use" by Dr. Ahmed Abu Delo, ''The Effect of English on Hebrew '' by Mohammad Al-Nuseirat, ''Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems'' by Dr. Khaled Hazaima, "The English Language in the Field of Geography from the Perspective of Students: A Comparative Study between Students of Bachelor and Master Degrees" by Dr. Reem Kharouf, and "The Impact of the Turks' Negligence of English in the Academic and Public Life" by Dr. Walid Al-Al-Aredh.
Under the patronage of Prof. Lamia Hammad, the Director of the Language Center at Yarmouk University, the Arabic Language Program for Non-Arabic Speakers organized a cultural event in celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity, adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Prof. Hammad explained that the celebration is to highlight the values of cultural diversity and its principles of understanding, acceptance, and respect of others and that it contributes to raising the awareness of multiculturalism and building bridges of communication among the individuals of different cultures. She also pointed out that the Arabic language program for non-Arabic speakers embodies the essence of brotherhood and harmony among students from different countries and cultures.
However, the program of the celebration included a variety of artistic performances, during which the Malaysian students performed a traditional song from their country, followed by a Chinese student song, then a Turkish track, another Spanish song, a Greek song, and a Spanish flamenco dance. It included also a table of traditional food and sweets representing the cultures of the program's students who are coming from Turkey, Spain, China, Malaysia, Korea, America, Brazil, Germany, Russia, Australia, France and Canada.
This ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director of the Center Dr. Ahmed Saifan, the assistant director of the Center for Arabic Language for non-Arabic speakers, Dr. Hala Al-Hamad, and several professors and administrators.
Yarmouk University President, Prof. Zeidan Kafafi, has patronized the commencement of the College of Medicine first 202-student cohort, which is part of the University's 40th graduation ceremonies for the second semester of the academic year 2018/2019, which has been blessed by the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.
During the ceremony, Professor Wissam Shehadeh, the Dean of the College of Medicine at Yarmouk University, has talked on behalf of his College and stated that the College, which was founded six years ago, has become equivalent to other medicine colleges in Jordan and that it aims to be a distinct regional school in the near future. He also stated that the 202 graduates are among the elite of Yarmouk University degree holders who will honorably represent the university wherever they go. Later on, he congratulated the graduates' families and thanked them for their invaluable support of their children who have successfully completed the requirements of the bachelor degree in medicine. He also thanked the College's academic and administrative staff for supporting the graduates and providing them with the necessary academic environment to ensuring their excellence.
Furthermore, Professor Shehadeh emphasized the support of the university administration, which has generously supplied the College with the technical laboratories and medical devices that are needed for high-quality education, a matter that contributes to the distinguished quality of the College students who are made sufficiently capable to bearing the responsibility of raising the level of medical services provided to community members. At the end of his speech, Professor Shehadeh called the graduate students for performing the Hippocratic Oath.
On his turn, MP Riyadh Al-Azzam, the spokesperson of the graduates of the College of Medicine, delivered a speech in which he highly appreciated the University's naming of that graduation ceremony after the name of Dr. Dana Al-Azzam, the deceased graduate. The speaker emphasized that such an honorable step proves that Yarmouk University is a unified family that is distinguished by its noble values, eternal vision, energetic graduates, patriotism, loyalty, and universality, thus having the righteousness to be proud of graduating such a constellation of doctors who will improve the health sector in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
At the end of the ceremony, which was attended by the Vice-President of the Colleges of Sciences and Finance, Dr. Ahmed Al-Ajlouni, the Vice President of Student Affairs and External Communication, Dr. Fawwaz Al-Abed Al-Haq, a number of deans and faculty members of the Faculty of Medicine and students, Professor Kafafi handed the certificates to graduate students and congratulated them.
Under the cultural cooperation agreements between Yarmouk University and the General University of Spain (UPV), the Department of Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts hosted the designers, Chili Stef Sandra and Dr. Ricardo Moreno, and held a variety of scientific and artistic activities for two days.
As part of these activities, Sandra and Morino delivered a lecture entitled "The Silk Road", in which the role and importance of the Silk Road in spreading culture, science, and art between the East and the West were discussed. They are talked about the artistic group that had performed The Moan of the Earth, which aimed at spreading the environmental awareness to preserving the land through using art and design.
The two designers then reviewed the establishment of UPV University, the most important achievements of the department of Design of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University, and the concept and importance of the artist's book in modern and contemporary art in Spain.
After that, the Spanish designers and their academic host: the head of the Department of Design, Dr. Bassam al-Ridaide, several members of the teaching and administrative staff, and a crowd of students participated in a set of artistic activities that focused on the achievements of William Morris, the famous Spanish artist, who once said: ''If you can't learn to love art, at least learn to hate false art" and whose academic publications and works of art called for maintaining the national identity through art, promoting arts and crafts, and embracing simplicity in design and art.
On the sidelines of the visit, Dr. Mowaffaq Al-Atoum, the Director of the Department of Foreign Relations and Projects, met with Dr. Sandra and Dr. Moreno, and they all discussed the means of enhancing academic and cultural cooperation between the two universities.
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.
