The Power of Communication in Transforming Education

• In Event: Can Locally Led Development (LLD) improve the power dynamics and outcomes of Development programs? Experiences from the Jordan Technical Assistance program

Proposal

The Power of Communication in Transforming Education (Presented by Yusour Hassan, communication and outreach advisor to the MOY and MOE – Jordan)
Protesting is one form of communication, which, if effectively conveyed can lead to transformative changes. In Education, communication facilitates learning, builds strong relationships, allows for differentiation, and fosters a positive learning environment. Communication is a two-way interaction that contributes to better outreach, engagement, and enhanced collaboration. Stemming out of its belief in the critical role communication plays in realizing the organizational social behavioral change, TAP, prioritized, since its inception, the power of communication towards improved coordination for better results.
Given TAP’s success in working with the GOJ to improve its systems and use effective communication, TAP started working with the MOE, which for the longest time perceived communication as a secondary product to the significant progress achieved in the education sector. In the absence of a clear communication and media strategy, it was challenging for MoE to interact with the field and convey the right messages for the change the ministry sought to see at the school level. As a result, TAP worked with the Ministry to develop a communication and media policy for the MOE and advocated for the creation of media units at the central and field levels.
This part of the panel will address how communication has the power to transform education for better learning outcomes for school children. With the proper communication system in place, with the right high level policy messages conveyed and with the right engagement of the target audience at all levels, the learning environment will improve, school retention will increase, and better performance will be achieved, resulting in a transformative education reform.

Author

• Yuser Hassan, Creative Associate International