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AMMAN –Minister of Education H.E. Dr. Waleed Al-Ma’ani and American Ambassador to Jordan Mr. Stephen Beecroft today inaugurated six renovated and expanded schools in Amman. The renovation and expansion of these schools was made possible by $2.6 million in assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The ceremony, held at the Shmeisani Gharbi Basic Girls School, was also attended by USAID Mission Director Jay L. Knott.
The vision set forth by U.S. President Barack Obama earlier this year in Cairo states that education and innovation will be the “currency of the 21st century.” In keeping with this, the six schools in Amman received 25 new and renovated classrooms, two science labs, and other educational and support facilities, in addition to new furniture. This project alone will benefit over 4,500 students. The renovations are part of a six-year, $157 million USAID-funded program announced in 2006 to assist Jordan in constructing and renovating schools throughout the country. The program aims to construct 31 new schools and renovate up to 120 more in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. The new and renovated school facilities will benefit more than 100,000 students and teachers by 2012 by reducing overcrowding in classrooms, decreasing the number of rented buildings used as schools, and relieving pressure on double-shifted schools.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Beecroft thanked the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, and the Government Buildings Directorate for their partnership in implementing these programs. The Ambassador stated: “We applaud and support Jordan’s commitment to education as the key to Jordan’s future. And today we are proud to open the doors to classrooms, science labs, and other facilities where students will grow and learn and prepare to one day take their places as Jordan’s future leaders. There is no more important investment that a country can make in its future. We are proud to partner in such a vital effort.” He added that this year the U.S. and Jordan are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic and development ties, which aim to improve the lives of all Jordan’s citizens.
Since 2003, USAID has provided almost $240 million in funds to help improve the education sector in Jordan. USAID’s education portfolio is aligned with Jordan’s Education Reform for the Knowledge Economy (ERfKE) initiative through the construction and renovation of schools, improvment of early childhood education, preparation of Jordan’s youth for the job market, and professional development of teachers, principals and supervisors.
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