Announcement of Five Million Dollars IDA Credit to Mali for Education on June 21, 1973

'r '1 El.011 t • INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (.) 1818 H STREET, NW., WASHINGTON 25, D. C. TELEPHONE; EXECUTIVE 3-6360 IDA Press Release N'o. 73/51 Subject: $5.0 million IDA credit to Mali for June 21, 1973 education The International Development Association (IDA), an affiliate of the World Bank, approved a $5.0 million credit to help finance an education project in the Republic of Mali. The present Mali education system consists of: a six-year primary school (the first cycle of basic education, grades 1-6), a lower secondary education (the second cycle of basic education, grades 7-9) which prepares students for entry into upper sec- ondary general education, and for vocational, agricultural and teacher training at that level (grades 10-13). Approximately 20% of children of primary school age are presently enrolled in primary schools; corresponding figures at the lower and upper secondary levels are 7.5 and 1.2%, respectively. On the basis of Baccalaureate results and guidan from the Bureau of School and University Orientation, students may continue to higher education (grades 13-16). While the formal system has met some of the modern sector's manpower requ.irements, arising from economic growth and the replacement of expatriates by· Malians, it has not • yet fully adapted its programs and methods, particularly at the lower levels, to the economic and social objectives of the country. Further, it is hindered by a lack of long-term planning and the prevalence of theoretical programs and teaching methods. The purpose of the project is to help implement the Government's strategy to prepare, on the one hand, a comparatively small number of academically able students for further training and for subsequent responsibility at planning and management levels; and on the other hand, prepare the majority of students for direct productive employment by teaching them functional skills in reading, writing, and calculation. The credit will fund, among other items, specialists 1 services to develop manpower planning capabilities in the two ministries of education and the Division of Human Resources; construction of, and equipment for 11 groups of multipurpose science labora- tories and workshops for basic technology and domestic science; and teacher upgrading and training. A project unit, in the General Directorate of Planning, Finance and Admiristration, Ministry of ~ducation, will be responsible for the supervision of project implementation and coordination with other ministries and agencies as well as for liaison with IDA. The total cost of the project is estimated at $.5.5 million equivalent of which $5.0 million will be provided by IDA. M:lli will meet the remaining costs. Civil works, furniture and equipment contract will be awarded through international competitive bidding. Local manufacturers and suppliers in the countries which are members • of the Western Africa Economic Conmrunity (CEAO) will be allowed a 15% preferential margin • The IDA credit is for 50 years, including 10 years of grace and is interest free except for a 3/4 of 1% service charge to meet IDA's administrative expenses. - 0 -  • June 21, 1973 TECHNICAL DATA PROJECT: Education Project COUNTRY: Republic of Mali TOTAL COST: $5. 5 million IDA FINANCING: $5.0 million, 50 years, 10 years of grace, interest free except for 3/4 of 1% service charge to meet IDA's administrative expenses. IMPLEMENTING ORGANIZATION: Ministry of Education, Bamako, Mali PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Construction and equipment for: 11 groups of multi- • purpose science laboratories and basic technology and domestic science workshops, each group serving one to four lower secondary level schools (grades 7-9); a multipurpose science laboratory in the Women's Technical Teacher Training College (ENETF); classrooms, laboratories, technology rooms, and administrative offices in the Central School for Industry, Commerce and Administration. Upgrading of teachers and training directors for the facilities listed above. Provision of: specialists' services and fellowships for the above institutions; specialists' services to train local personnel and organize and develop procedures for improved planning and management in the Ministries of Education, and to develop manpower planning capabilities in the Division of Human Resources of the Government's Central Planning Bureau; specialists' services to organize and implement a study of the alternat ~.- · 1s for the extension of basic education, and the identification and preparation of a possible project in this area. PROCUREMENT: All goods and services will be procured through international competitive bidding. CONSULTANTS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS: To be selected ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: 1979 0 •