Germany supports school maintenance through ‘cash for work’ programme

AMMAN — The German Development Bank (KfW) and of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on Sunday signed a financing agreement today, aiming at supporting access to quality education and generating livelihood opportunities in Jordan.

The agreement, which was signed by Country Director of KfW Christian Schaub and UNOPS Regional Director Bana Kaloti, came in the framework of Germany’s continuing support to Jordan, a statement by UNOPS emailed to The Jordan Times said. 

Under the agreement, 10 million euros of grant financing will be made available for labour-intensive school maintenance through the project on behalf of the German government, the UNOPS statement indicated. 

The project will focus on providing maintenance and cleaning of schools located in communities that host the highest number of refugees, while also striving to improve livelihoods through providing cash for work opportunities for both vulnerable Jordanian citizens as well as the Syrian refugees living in host communities, according to the statement. 

The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, school authorities, Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Social Development, aiming to create 4,000 work opportunities and 200,000 days of work. Project activities will take place in Amman, Irbid, Mafraq, Balqa, Ajloun and Maan governorates. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Schaub was quoted in the statement as underlining“ the long-lasting and fruitful cooperation with Jordan in the field of education,” adding that KfW has, amongst others, financed the construction of 37 schools, provision of informal education, as well as financing for teacher salaries up until now.”

“This labour-intensive cash for work project is a response to target poverty and unemployment, providing short employment opportunities to vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees and ensuring 20 per cent women participation. The project will increase employment opportunities and will enhance access to longer-term employment opportunities through training and hands-on experience,” Schaub said.

Kaloti said that “UNOPS places high importance on partnerships that allow it to continue to support Jordan and its people as they continue to provide refuge to those most in need... We look forward to implementing this project together with our partners, for the benefit of those most in need across Jordan.”