UNICEF to extend JD27.9m grant in support of education

AMMAN – Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury on Saturday announced the signing of a protocol agreement with UNICEF for a JD27.9 million grant to support the Education Ministry in providing education to children affected by the Syrian crisis. 

The project is part of schemes listed in the 2016-2018 Jordan Response Plan and as a follow up to the London conference on the Syrian crisis held in February, according to a ministry statement that was e-mailed to The Jordan Times.

The protocol includes the establishment and renovation and expansion of playgrounds in schools affiliated with the Education Ministry, said the statement, which added that the agreement also entails purchasing equipment and furniture as well as building the capacities of teachers and paying their salaries. 

Fakhoury said in the statement that the project seeks to provide needed capabilities to draw policies and plan for quality and safe education through developing the skills of services providers, including teachers, administrators and field workers, adding that the project also aims at further engaging students and parents in the education process. 

Part of the funds will go to finance an awareness campaign in local communities about available education services, boosting the quality of such services and improving student registration measures. 

The two sides also agreed to enhance the work environment of teachers and assessment criteria of their performance, in addition to improving learning and education resources through providing curriculum texts and the establishment of science labs, said the statement.