Lifelong Learners

Developing independent, globally minded learners in Jordan and Egypt

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Overview

Lifelong Learners – funded by our Alexandria Schools Trust – is a forward-thinking programme designed to prepare high school students from Jordanian and Egyptian government schools, as well as Palestinian refugee communities, for the future in a rapidly changing world, using English as a medium of instruction. We are proud to partner with the Crown Prince Foundation and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for our work supporting Jordanian students and Palestinian refugees, respectively, and with the Educate Me Foundation to support high school students in Egypt.

Lifelong Learners goes beyond teaching English and career skills – it empowers students to take charge of their own learning, and incorporates all the essential elements of edt’s future readiness approach. Its young participants learn about digital technology, climate action, financial literacy, navigating the job market, and looking after their own wellbeing. They also develop their creativity and critical thinking capabilities, their ability to collaborate and adapt, and their proficiency and confidence in English language communication. These themes have been carefully chosen to address current challenges in the labour market and align with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s vision for what knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values students need in the 21st Century.

The programme employs a metacognitive approach to exploring these topics through interactive modules, enabling students to become self-reliant citizens by simulating real-life learning scenarios, emphasising problem solving, and promoting a growth mindset. Through reflective learning journals, students strengthen their skills in planning, self-monitoring, and evaluating their learning progress.

At the end of the programme, students participate in a symposium to showcase their projects to judges and peers – an event that is essential to developing their public speaking and presentation skills.

Key points

Future-focused preparation for diverse students
Empowering students beyond traditional learning
Alignment with global standards and labour market needs

Supporting Palestinian refugees

Among our participants on the Lifelong Learners programme in Jordan are Palestinian refugees. At edt, we have significant experience in supporting teaching and learning in refugee settings, including both programmatic work and developing the global evidence base on education for refugees and internally displaced persons.

The Lifelong Learners pilot was inspired directly by UNRWA students. During English language pedagogy reflection sessions, students shared how eager they were for opportunities to express themselves and practice English. These conversations sparked the design of the programme, which was launched within a few months.

The individuals involved come from challenging backgrounds, and our work on Lifelong Learners focuses on helping them to build positive new pathways through future-ready skills. We work closely with UNRWA in Jordan to deliver the programme to these participants, whose positivity and passion for learning continue to inspire us.

The English language

The Lifelong Learners programme offers a dynamic learning experience that develops students’ speaking and listening skills, using interactive methods such as roleplays and debates. It also focuses on developing functional language skills to help students gain confidence in communicating effectively and fluently in everyday situations in English. To encourage students to use the language confidently, their final presentation at the symposium is conducted entirely in English.

Skills and competencies

The programme teaches students future-ready skills and competencies to ensure they are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive.

How is the Lifelong Learners programme delivered?

The Lifelong Learners programme is designed to be flexible and accessible, with online and in-person delivery options. Ultimately, this programme is more than just a series of lessons – it is about nurturing confident, informed individuals ready to positively impact their communities and the world.

Testimonials

My words fail me to appreciate you and the time you gave us

“My words fail me to appreciate you and the time you gave us... everyone wishes you the best, because you helped us achieve our simple and small dreams… We didn’t find – and will not find – anything better than this programme.”

Student

I’m very happy and proud of myself to be a part of this programme

“This is my first time participating in a programme like this. To be honest, at first, I was simply interested in the idea – but now, I can truly say that I love it. I look forward to Saturdays because of the sessions, which I genuinely enjoy. I’m very happy and proud of myself to be a part of this programme. It was helped me gain new knowledge and improve important skills, such as speaking and listening. Now I know many things that I didn’t know before, all thanks to the Lifelong Learners programme. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of it.”

Student

It is clear that the course has had a positive impact on their overall language proficiency

“Throughout the duration of the English language course, the students have shown noticeable development in their language abilities and communication skills. Their participation in class activities has increased, and they are more willing to speak and interact using English. [...] It is clear that the course has had a positive impact on their overall language proficiency. I am proud of their commitment and the progress they have achieved in such a short time."

Teacher

This initiative has had a remarkable impact on our students

“As a school principal, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the Lifelong Learners English programme. This initiative has had a remarkable impact on our students, both in their language skills and in their overall confidence... I believe that Lifelong Learners has played a key role in supporting their academic growth and lifelong learning journey.”

School principal