His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday asked the government to prepare a comprehensive national strategy for orphans and other children deprived of parental care to enhance the quality of institutional services provided for them and help them build a better future.

During a visit to a childcare home in Northern Hashemi in Amman with Her Majesty Queen Rania Tuesday, King Abdullah underlined the need for the strategy to include effective and clear programmes that secure these children and orphans a decent life and all their needs, including rehabilitation, education and training.

King Abdullah also called for “speedy” and “effective” action to upgrade and improve the 29 orphanages and childcare centres across the Kingdom.

The King and the Queen met with the children and heard their concerns before they toured the home, which accommodates 43 children aged between seven and 14, and checked on classrooms, bedrooms and the centre's computer lab.

Social Development Minister Hala Lattouf briefed the King and Queen on the services provided by the home, including educational and extra-curricular services.

In an interview following the visit, the home's director Haya Masalha highlighted the services provided by the facility, which include food, clothing and accommodations “compliant with the highest standards”.

The home also provides healthcare services, enabling the early detection of diseases and providing medical treatment to ensure physical and psychological well-being, according to Masalha.

She added that the centre also devotes special attention to education by providing the children with transportation and all they need to complete their education.

The royal visit follows a campaign launched by Queen Rania at the beginning of Ramadan for Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans.

The charity works to improve the lives of orphans by responding to their needs through five major support programmes: Educational scholarships, coverage of living expenses, counselling, apprenticeship and employment, and medical insurance.