Amman, Mar. 5 (Petra) – The Ministry of Social Development and Yarmouk University (YU) on Thursday signed a cooperation agreement in several social fields.

Minister of Social Development Wafaa Bani Mustafa and YU President Dr. Malek Sharairi, signed the agreement, in the presence of several officials from both sides.

Talking at the signing ceremony, Bani Mustafa stated the move establishes a framework for "effective" partnership, covering cooperation in various social areas, programs offered to the ministry's target groups, and joint initiatives with the university's various colleges and its Princess Basma Center for Women's Studies.

The minister added that the agreement focuses on exchanging knowledge and expertise among university students.

Under the agreement, she said students in educational and social sciences will gain experience in volunteer work and training through the ministry's social institutions.

She noted action to "professionalize" social work, which aims to regulate the profession, would contribute to supporting their engagement in this field.

She stated the agreement features cooperation in launching and implementing joint initiatives to support women's empowerment and research that focuses on women-based empowerment.

Additionally, she remarked the agreement focuses on boosting economic empowerment, enhancing women's participation, implementing awareness campaigns about the ministry's protection, care, and development programs, and strengthening research and studies.

In turn, Sharairi expressed the university's pride in its "strategic" cooperation and partnership with the Ministry of Social Development in implementing various national programs.

He affirmed this step forms the basis for "broader" joint action in various academic fields, particularly in supporting the activities of Princess Basma Center for Jordanian Women's Studies to implement all aspects of the agreement's terms.

//Petra// AG