RAMALLAH, April 19 (JMCC) - Queen Rania of Jordan announced plans to renovate and develop East Jerusalem's deteriorating schools as an extension of the Jordanian 'Madrasati' initiative launched in 2008.

Jordan's Queen, who is of Palestinian descent, launched the initiative in order to help preserve the Palestinian and Arab identity of Jerusalem which is deemed under threat from a policy of 'Judiazation' by the Israeli occupation.

We launch Madrasati (my school) Palestine from Jordan today because Jordan has an historical role in preserving Jerusalem's Arab identity and protecting its holy shrines, she said.

We will repair the infrastructure of the schools... try to enlarge them, supply teachers with the necessary training and raise the number of graduates so that they can maintain their unshakable identity and dignity in the face of occupation.

Queen Rania noted that more than 50 percent of Palestinian boys never finish school, and that the school system in Jerusalem was inadequate for the needs of the residents. 

 “Jerusalem is every Arab’s responsibility, said Rania. And for every person who wants to do more than pray, ensuring quality education for Jerusalem’s children is your way to help.”

Queen Rania was joined by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in launching the Jerusalem initiative.