Aman – concepts of neighbourliness, hospitality and conviviality

Unlocking the Potential of Urban Communities: Case Studies of Twelve Learning Cities showcases cities in different parts of the world that are embracing lifelong learning for all. The book explores how the learning city approach can be used to unlock citizens’ potential, focusing on the experiences of twelve cities from all five UNESCO regions: Melton (Australia), Sorocaba (Brazil), Beijing (China), Bahir Dar (Ethiopia), Espoo (Finland), Cork (Ireland), Amman (Jordan), Mexico City (Mexico), Ybycuí (Paraguay), Balanga (Philippines), Namyangju (Republic of Korea) and Swansea (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). These cities will be celebrated at the book’s launch at the 2nd International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC), which will take place in Mexico City from 28 to 30 September 2015. Join us there and help shape the future of learning cities!  

Aman – concepts of neighbourliness, hospitality and conviviality

“The independence of Jordan was declared from the balcony of Amman municipality on 25 May 1946. Since then, the social responsibility of the city has hinged on sharing and engaging with the community and this has been, and continues to be, a main pillar of the work of the municipality. Whether we print a book, produce a play, support an artist or organize a seminar, we are contributing to the state of culture and, by definition, the state of development of the city and our country as a whole.”- Youssef al Shawarbeh, Deputy Mayor of Amman

Amman’s learning city project, a collaborative initiative between the Arab Education Forum and Greater Amman Municipality that was launched in 2011, is called ‘Jeera: Amman Learning and Convivial City’. The project, which aims to promote informal and non-formal learning opportunities in local communities, is the first of its kind in the Arab world. The concepts of neighbourliness, hospitality and conviviality – concepts with a rich tradition in Arab culture – are central to Jeera’s efforts to provide the citizens of Amman with positive learning experiences beyond the structures of formal education. As part of the Jeera project, citizens visit learning initiatives in other communities. They are then encouraged to apply and adapt the ideas generated by these visits in their own local communities. The ultimate objectives are not just to promote lifelong learning at a community level throughout the city, but also to help promote integration and a sense of belonging in this multicultural city.

Read about the other cases here.