His Majesty King Abdullah issued instructions on Wednesday to distribute 110,000 schoolbags at his own expense to public school students in all poverty-stricken areas of the Kingdom.

A Royal Court official said the bags would be distributed in the country's 20 poverty clusters.

The King made the decision after several visits over the past four months to areas such as Ghor Al Safi, Deir Alla and other places, where he listened to citizens' demands and concerns.

The initiative coincides with the start of the new school year on Aug. 23 and is designed to help reduce the financial burden on low-income families.

Each schoolbag, to be distributed for students from grades 1-12, will include all the required stationery materials.

Ministry of Education Secretary General Taysir Nuaimi said the school-bags will be distributed next Wednesday.

The Jordan Times