In a letter addressed to the country's 1.6 million schoolchildren at the beginning of the new academic year on Wednesday, His Majesty King Abdullah said he instructed the Ministry of Education to create an award for distinguished students.

In the letter, which was read in the country's some 5,600 schools, King Abdullah said the award is designed to encourage innovation and critical thinking and will be granted to top students at the governorate level.

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Khalid Touqan, who read the letter at the Asmaa Bent Abi Baker Basic School in Ain Al Basha, said a committee will be formed soon to set the conditions and criteria for the award.

Touqan said that the ministry has completed all required preparations for the new scholastic year.

Touqan said some 7,124 new teachers were appointed this year, adding that 1,897 more will be appointed in coming days.

Highlighting the ministry's efforts to upgrade schools and classrooms, Touqan said the ministry received 70 new schools. He added that 36 new schools will be built by the end of this year.

The Jordan Times