30.9 Million Euros Grant from the EU to Build Ten New Schools in Jordan

Planning and International Cooperation Minister Mary kawar and Director of Amman Office of the German Bank Development Bank (KfW) Christian Schaub signed a grant agreement worth 30.6 million euros to complete the programme of school construction in Jordan.

The grant aimed at building, equipping and furnishing ten new government schools, a statement sent by the Planning Ministry said.

The programme is supported by the European Union through the its credit fund to respond to the repercussions of the Syrian crisis (Madad), in order to contribute to easing the pressure on public schools, which receive large numbers that are beyond the capacity as a result of the enrolment of thousands of Syrian students in government schools in the Kingdom, Minster Kawar said.

Madad has been launched in 2014 as a more flexible and rapid tool to respond to changing needs and provide assistance to development projects in countries affected by the Syrian crisis. It focuses in supporting, basic education, child protection, training and higher education programs, improving access to health care, livelihoods and improving infrastructure in the fields of water and sanitation, according to the statement.

Kawar said that the agreement comes within the efforts exerted to follow up the on implementation of the financial commitments announced by the donor community during the conference on supporting Syria and the region held in London and the Jordan Compact.

Minister of Public Works and Housing Falah Omoush expressed appreciation for the EU, as the grant will contribute to improving the quality of education in the Kingdom, especially at primary schools and kindergartens.

The grant will be implemented by the KfW in partnership with the Jordanian Government according to the agreement, said the statement. When completed, these schools will contribute to improving access to primary and secondary education for children in Jordan, including refugee children and their host communities, and increase the operational and administrative capacities of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

Last year, Madad provided another grant of 20 million euros that was increased to 23.9 to deal with burdens of hosting the Syrian refugees, especially in the education sector.

Kawar voiced appreciation for the EU’s support to Jordan in facing the repercussions of the crises, including the Syrian.

For his part, EU Ambassador in Amman Andrea Fontana said that the partnership between the union and Jordan are growing in various fields, highlighting Jordan’s vital role in the region under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and his efforts in hosting the Syrian refugees. Fonata called for increasing efforts to sustain support to the Kingdom in dealing with the refugee crisis.

In the same regard, Schaub said that supporting Jordan is among the priories of the German Government and KfW, reiteration appreciation for Jordan’s humanitarian role.