Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
02AMMAN3484
2002-06-27 06:40:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Amman
Cable title:  

MIDDLE EAST PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE: SURVEY ON

Tags:  KPAO PREL SCUL JO 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 003484 

SIPDIS

FOR NEA FRONT OFFICE, NEA/PD, NEA/ARN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/27/2012
TAGS: KPAO PREL SCUL JO
SUBJECT: MIDDLE EAST PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE: SURVEY ON
EDUCATION

REF: SECSTATE 117997

Classified By: DCM GREGORY BERRY PER 1.5 (B AND D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 003484

SIPDIS

FOR NEA FRONT OFFICE, NEA/PD, NEA/ARN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/27/2012
TAGS: KPAO PREL SCUL JO
SUBJECT: MIDDLE EAST PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE: SURVEY ON
EDUCATION

REF: SECSTATE 117997

Classified By: DCM GREGORY BERRY PER 1.5 (B AND D)


1. (C) In response to reftel, Embassy Amman supports the
continuation and development of basic education reform
projects in Jordan and attests to the GOJ's and Jordanian
education sector's interest and receptivity to such programs.
The GOJ has demonstrated a high-level of receptivity to USG
assistance in education reform in the past, including at the
elmentary level. In addition, recent directives from the
Royal Palace to modernize and reform the education system in
Jordan may indicate an even more inviting environment for USG
assistance, especially in the fields of preschool and
adolescent civics, English language, and information
technology. However, the delicate issue of national
education, combined with current sensitivities in the region,
means that the level of receptivity by the GOJ and education
sector may require that USG partnership in education reform
programs remain relatively low-profile.


2. (U) PA Amman has coordinated programs in education
reform in cooperation with the GOJ for many years, including
at the elementary education level. The Civic Education
Workshop is one example of a program that trained
approximately 100 middle-school teachers and supervisors in
basic civics education. In addition to the training
workshop, the U.S. based Center for Civic Education worked
with the Ministry of Education to translate civics textbooks
into Arabic for use in extracurricular programs in Jordanian
middle schools. This program's initial success resulted in
the inclusion of the textbooks and corresponding civics
lessons in the Jordanian national curriculum starting this
September. The Ministry of Education has communicated to PA
its interest in expanding this civic education initiative by
further developing textbooks and a curriculum for high school
and elementary age students.


3. (U) The Ministry of Education also has expressed
interest in seeking additional USG assistance for information
technology materials and training for all education levels
including basic education. Project activities under the
USAID-financed AMIR contract will help support such
initiatives. Encouraging more entreprenuerial skills is the
purpose of a grant for a junior achievement type grant,
INJAZ, and discussions currently are being held with a number
of organizations interested in early-childhood, adolescent,
and life-skills education, especially for girls in rural
areas.


4. (C) Past USG assistance programs in education reform
have been successful in Jordan, and such programs continue to
be in demand by the GOJ. However, with sensitivities running
high in the region, and with basic education an issue of
national pride and ownership, we should reserve direct USG
assistance in education reform to very targeted, low-profile
programs. High-profile USG assistance and perceived USG
direction could create difficulty for the GOJ in gaining
popular support for its overall education reform program.
Gnehm