Damascus - The Tempus program (Trans European Mobility Program for University Studies) aims at developing higher education systems in partner countries through cooperation between these countries' institutions and institutes in member countries in the European Union.
Tempus is one of the European Union programs that aim at supporting economic and social reform in development in partner countries.
Over 27 countries participate in the program and are divided into two groups: EU member countries and partner countries that participate through educational institutions and non-academic institutions such as non-governmental organizations and commercial and industrial companies.
The fourth stage of Tempus program, which began in 2007 and ends in 2013, is currently underway. The program began in Syria in 2002 when it was expanded to include the Mediterranean region. It was later extended in Syria until 2006 to activate cooperation between the program and other training and cultural programs.
Regional Coordinator for Tempus in Syria Rami Ayoubi pointed out that the program includes projects for reforming school curriculums, improving the performance of university administration, and creating more bonds with society, in addition to structural procedures that are carried out on national level.
He said that Tempus carried out 33 projects in Syria so far, 24 of them covering the developments of curriculums while the remaining nine projects aim at developing university administration.
These projects are distributed geographically, with 15 projects in Damascus University, 11 projects in Aleppo University, 1 project in al-Baath University, 2 projects in Tishreen University (the Higher Institute for Applied Science and Technology), and 2 projects at the Ministry of Higher Education.
Germany participated in 7 projects, while France participated in 13 projects, with the United Kingdom and Italy participating in 3 projects each.
Tempus was first adopted in May 7, 1990 by the European Union Cabinet. It was expanded in June 27, 2002 to include the Mediterranean region. The program is currently managed by the European Commission's Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, which is located in Brussels.
By H. Sabbagh / Maze
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
