Public Works minister meets with USAID officials over school construction

AMMAN — Public Works and Housing Minister Ahmad Maher Abul Samen on Thursday met with Director of the Office of Education at USAID Mariella Ruiz-Rodriguez and other USAID officials over issues related to implementing USAID-funded projects and finding the best ways to execute these schemes. 

During the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the engineering offices that prepare studies and designs for new schools, Abul Samen expressed the government’s appreciation for USAID and voiced its support for implementing infrastructure projects in various sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Talks during the meeting reviewed the projects that have already been implemented. The two sides also stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between USAID and the ministry through floating tenders and discussing future projects.

Issues related to the USAID’s support for the implementation of several projects in the education sector were also discussed, including the project of Enhancing School Management and Planning (ESMP) and the Inclusive Schools Programme (ISP). Through the ISP, 30 schools will be established.

They also went over the School Transformation Process (STP), which includes the improvement and expansion of 30 schools.

These programmes  aim at achieving qualitative development, enabling students to access basic education and providing advanced, comprehensive and safe educational environments for all students that are aligned with Jordan’s strategic educational plan.

The USAID officials expressed their appreciation for the important role that the ministry plays, commending the minister’s concern and continuous support and follow-up for USAID-funded schemes.

USAID has funded the implementation of 25 schools in various regions of the Kingdom, 120 additional classrooms, 413 kindergartens and maintenance work for 128 schools, at a total value of more than JD230 million.