Announcement of Jordan to Improve Education and Vocational Training on December 14, 1987

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE World Bank 1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433, U.S.A. BANK NEWS RELEASE NO. 88/27 Contact: Fawzi Rihane (202) 473-2675 JORDAN TO IMPROVE EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING WASHINGTON, December 14 -- Jordan will use a $40 million World Bank loan for a project that will consolidate the country's efforts to improve the quality of educational instruction and facilities as well as meet demand for skilled labor. The project is expected to upgrade the skills of about 36,000 basic education teachers and staff. Courses for secondary school teachers will be introduced and will address their skill deficiencies. Instructional materials together with supporting logistics and software to be used by the teachers will be made available. In addition, the project will help modernize the education system with improved planning and management. The loan will help provide a better learning environment through improved facilities. The project includes the building of 58 compulsory-level schools and the introduction of a pilot vocational program for girls in areas where demand for skilled workers has been growing. Since 1972, the World Bank has supported six projects with loans totalling $113.2 million to assist the Government of Jordan in the development of its education and training system. The World Bank loan is for 17 years, including four years of grace, with a variable interest rate, currently 7.76 percent, linked to the cost of the Bank's borrowings. It also carries an annual commitment charge of 0.75 percent on undisbursed balances. Note: Money figures are expressed in U.S. dollar equivalents.