KOICA Supports Inclusive Education with Dot-Pad Donation to the Royal Academy for the Blind

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Minister of Education, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, emphasized the strong cooperation between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Korea, which is reflected in Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)’s ongoing efforts to support the Ministry of Education in providing high-quality education services across the Kingdom.
This came during a donation ceremony organized by KOICA Jordan Office to donate 10 Dot-Pad assistive devices to the Royal Academy for the Blind. This initiative aims to enhance learning opportunities for blind students and support inclusive education.
Dr. Mahafzah highlighted that this collaboration has resulted in the establishment of three schools in Irbid, Zarqa, and Mafraq, in addition to the establishment of a vocational school. These efforts have significantly improved the educational environment in these areas. Beyond school construction, KOICA has also contributed to teacher training and professional development, ensuring the sustainability and quality of education.
He further acknowledged KOICA’s vital role in advancing inclusive education by improving students’ access to learning resources, regardless of their abilities, which stands as an essential pillar of the Ministry’s strategic plan. Dr. Mahafzah noted that this new support from KOICA provides visually impaired students with cutting-edge assistive technology, allowing them to engage with digital content independently like never before.
The donation also included tools to facilitate classroom interaction and daily life activities, helping students integrate more seamlessly and confidently into society. Dr. Mahafzah expressed his gratitude to the Korean Ambassador and KOICA for their generous contribution, reaffirming that this support reflects KOICA’s commitment to assisting the Ministry of Education in achieving its vision of inclusive and high-quality education, ensuring that no student in Jordan is denied the right to learn.
For his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan, H.E. Mr. Kim Pil-woo, reiterated Korea’s dedication to inclusive education. He highlighted that the Dot-Pad, an innovative Korean technology, enables blind students to experience tactile graphics and Braille text, transforming the way they interact with educational materials. He further emphasized that this initiative is a testament to the strong and growing partnership between Korea and Jordan, particularly in the education sector.
The Dot-Pad features 300 tactile graphic cells and 20 Braille text cells, allowing students to explore images, diagrams, and maps in addition to reading Braille. The donation also included iPads and laptops to support Dot-Pad operations. Notably, on November 24-25, 2024, a team of Korean experts visited the Royal Academy for the Blind to train 11 teachers on integrating the devices into their curriculum, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
This donation aligns with KOICA Jordan office’s commitment to improving the education sector, one of its core focus areas. By striving to enhance the quality of life for underprivileged children, youth, and communities, KOICA Jordan office aims to provide equal opportunities and empower individuals with self-reliance skills. Building on the success of past projects, such as “Establishment of Special School for Hearing Impaired Students in Marka, Jordan(2014-2017)”, “Establishment of Three New Schools for the Disadvantaged Students in Jordan(2017-2022)”, and “Establishment of the Specialized Industrial School in Zarqa, Jordan(2017-2022)”, this initiative further demonstrates KOICA’s dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments where individuals of all abilities can thrive.