Jordan, Germany sign $39mln grant agreement to build schools

AMMAN Jordan and Germany on Wednesday signed a grant agreement of 34 million euros to fund the third and the forth phases of the School Construction Programme III-IV.

The programme aims at upgrading the quality of primary education in Jordan through constructing new public schools and expanding some current public ones, as well as furnishing and equipping them with the necessary tools, according to a statement from the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Wissam Rabadi said that the grant is part of commitments and financial pledges that the German government announced through the Jordanian-German talks that were held last year.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing will implement the programme, Rabadi added.

The minister also said that the programme aims at improving the educational infrastructure in the Kingdom, as well as relieving the pressure on the educational system and improving the quality of education.

The programme will also contribute to enhancing the personal and economic development for Jordanian and Syrian children as a base for stability, peace, and prosperity in the region, read the statement.

Rabadi also expressed Jordans gratitude for the continuous German support to vital sectors in the Kingdom, such as water, sewage and education, among others.

The minister also praised the German governments support in helping the Kingdom deal with the consequences and negative impacts of the Syrian crisis.

Deputy Office Manager of the German Development Bank (KfW) Sawsan Arouri attended the signing ceremony of the agreement.

The German Development Bank (KfW) funds investments and consulting services in Jordan on behalf of the German government, according to the statement.