The Syrian Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, praised the pioneering role of the German Jordanian University (GJU) in empowering Syrian youth to pursue higher education during the refugee crisis. This support is provided through the EDU-SYRIA Program, managed by the university with funding from the European Union.
This came during the Minister’s visit to the university, accompanied by his delegation, where he met with GJU President, Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, the EDU-SYRIA project team, the Deanship of Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship (DI-TECH), and the Technology, Research and Innovation Park (TRIP).
Dr. Al-Halabi emphasized that education is a fundamental pillar for development and reconstruction in Syria, highlighting the importance of technical and vocational specializations in the coming phase, and the need to enhance the quality of graduates. He expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of GJU and the EDU-SYRIA Project in academically and professionally empowering Syrian students.
For his part, Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, welcomed the visiting delegation and presented a comprehensive overview of the university’s experience since its establishment in 2005 as a successful model combining Jordanian and German approaches through a dual study system that integrates academia with the labor market.
Al-Halhouli explained that the university, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has earned a distinguished reputation locally, regionally, and internationally due to its unique model of applied education. He noted that GJU has active partnerships with around 120 German universities and more than 5,000 factories and companies in Germany, which host students during their fourth year of study to gain practical experience that prepares them for the job market with high efficiency.
He also pointed out that the university's educational philosophy focuses on investing in human capital and talent, through a comprehensive learning environment that integrates academic learning, hands-on training, and the development of personal, linguistic, and entrepreneurial skills.
Al-Halhouli also highlighted the university’s key initiatives in innovation and entrepreneurship, noting the establishment of DI-TECH, along with TRIP, as national initiatives open to Jordanian universities and local companies to foster technology transfer and localization.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dhiah Abu Tair, EDU-SYRIA Project Coordinator, stated that the program is one of the most prominent EU-funded educational initiatives, aiming to empower Syrian refugees and underprivileged Jordanians through access to higher education and vocational training. He added that the program, managed by GJU, has provided over 3,300 scholarships since its inception, graduating around 2,500 students, confirming that these efforts contribute to building youth capacities, preparing them for the labor market, and improving their livelihoods.
During the visit, the delegation toured the university facilities, including the DI-TECH and the TRIP and its laboratories, where they received an overview of the university’s ongoing research and innovation projects.
