{"id":12560,"date":"2017-07-27T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-07-27T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/perspectives\/a-new-future-for-global-education\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T12:47:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T12:47:47","slug":"a-new-future-for-global-education","status":"publish","type":"perspectives","link":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/a-new-future-for-global-education\/","title":{"rendered":"J-WEL: A new future for global education"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a world driven by the enduring forces of globalization and technological progress, education is crucial. \u00a0It unleashes a child\u2019s potential, builds healthier societies, boosts economic growth and fosters peace[1]<\/a>, according to a study by the Global Partnership for Education, a global organization that aims to dramatically increase the number of children who are in school and learning.<\/h4>\n

The United Nation\u2019s 2030 sustainable development agenda, which 193 world leaders signed up to in September 2015, outlines 17 sustainable development goals. \u00a0From ending extreme poverty through to ensuring gender equality, developing clean energy, and eradicating hunger, education is essential to the success of all 17 of those objectives[2]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Education is a human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/em> and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child<\/em>. \u00a0However, around the world an estimated 263 million children and young people were out of school for the school year 2013-14[3]<\/a>. \u00a0Even more are unable to read, write or count.<\/p>\n

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said: \u201cCountries have promised to provide every child with a primary and secondary education by 2030\u2026 \u00a0Our focus must be on inclusion from the earliest age and right through the learning cycle, (and) on policies that address the barriers at every stage, with special attention to girls \u2013 who still face the greatest disadvantage.<\/em>[4]<\/a>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The UNESCO Institute of Statistics estimates that 25 million \u2013 or 41 percent \u2013 of the world\u2019s out-of-school children of primary school age have never attended school. \u00a0If current trends continue, they will probably reach adulthood without completing a single day of education[5]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Progress in the Middle East<\/strong><\/p>\n

While there is still much to do to make education a universal experience for all children in the MENA region, there is little doubt that progress is being made.<\/p>\n

According to the World Bank, the average level of schooling across the MENA region quadrupled in the 54 years between 1960 and 2014. \u00a0The adult literacy rate has risen from 59 percent in 1990 to 78 percent in 2010, and MENA governments invest an average of more than 5.3 percent of GDP in funding public education[6]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Saudi Arabia itself appears to be performing well.\u00a0 Between 2008 and 2012, the youth (15-24 years old) literacy rate for males was 99 percent, while 97 percent of females reached the same threshold[7]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, challenges remain across the region, and indeed, the globe. \u00a0In Western Asia, which includes the Middle East and parts of North Africa, 11 percent of primary-age children are out of school, rising to 16 percent at lower secondary age and 33 percent at upper secondary age. \u00a0At each of these age groups, significantly more females are missing out on education.<\/p>\n

There are also opportunities to improve the quality of education available to those attending school, and as well as doing more to ensure new graduates are ready for the rapidly changing workplace[8]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Introducing the Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Laboratory<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"As part of its determined drive to strengthen communities and increase living standards in Saudi Arabia, the MENA region, and the rest of the world, Abdul Latif Jameel has unveiled a ground-breaking initiative designed to address the challenges of education and \u201cspark a global renaissance in education for all learners\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

Launched in May 2017, the Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Laboratory (J-WEL) is a partnership between Community Jameel and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). \u00a0By bringing together educators, technologists, policy-makers and societal leaders, J-WEL aims to reinvent primary and secondary education, renew higher education, and revitalize workplace learning.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Fady Mohammed Jameel, President of Community Jameel International, said: \u201cEducation and learning are fundamental to a strong society and economy. \u00a0They promote employment and create increased opportunity for all \u2013 all central pillars of <\/em>Saudi Arabia\u2019s Vision 2030.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

MIT President, L. Rafael Reif (left) and Fady Mohammed Jameel, President of Community Jameel International (right) announce the new Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL) at MIT.<\/h6>\n

\u201cWhile there has been progress made in improving education, there is always more that can be done. \u00a0Enabling individuals to reach their full potential, whatever their background, is a key priority for Community Jameel, and one on which we look forward to collaborating with the educational community in Saudi Arabia.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Change in Education at Scale<\/strong><\/p>\n

J-WEL aims to be an incubator for change in education at scale, developing a collaborative network of universities, nations, governments, foundations, and other organizations that will work together to revamp approaches to education. \u00a0It will also provide models for extending that change to the realms of primary and secondary education, higher education, and workplace learning.<\/p>\n