Middle East & Africa | Failing the test

Schools in Jordan struggle with covid-19 and jailed teachers

The government blames Islamists for bad behaviour in class

|BEIRUT

SCHOOLS AROUND the world are grappling with how to teach during a pandemic. Some in Jordan have an added complication: teachers in jail. In July the authorities raided the office of the national teachers’ union, which represents more than 100,000 people. It was ordered to close for two years and its board members were arrested. When teachers came out to protest, an estimated 1,000 of them were detained as well, some under laws meant to restrict gatherings to curb the spread of covid-19. Authorities have used gag orders to limit reporting on the unrest.

This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Failing the test”

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