MEPI - ARABIC BOOK TRANSLATION PROGRAM

UNCLAS AMMAN 003462

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/EPA (CBOURGEOIS)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OEXC SCUL JO
SUBJECT: MEPI - ARABIC BOOK TRANSLATION PROGRAM

REF: SECSTATE 145089


1. POST HAS DISCUSSED SUBJECT PROGRAM WITH RELEVANT JORDAN
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OFFICIALS. THE MOE IS INTERESTED, IN
PRINCIPAL, IN PARTICIPATION. HOWEVER, THE FINAL DECISION
MUST BE MADE BY THE MINISTER HIMSELF, WHO WILL ONLY RESPOND
TO A WRITTEN PROPOSAL, AND WHO WOULD WANT TO PERSONALLY VET
THE BOOKS BEFORE SENDING THEM TO CLASSROOMS. THAT SAID, THE
INITIATIVE TRACKS WELL WITH THE MINISTRY'S OWN EFFORTS AND
WOULD MOST LIKELY BE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THEIR PROGRAM FOR
IMPROVING CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, PROVIDED THAT THE BOOKS ARE
INDEED CULTURALLY SENSITIVE AND APPROPRIATE FOR JORDANIAN
STUDENTS.


2. SHOULD THE MOE EVENTUALLY DECIDE NOT TO PARTICIPATE, WE
EXPECT THAT A NUMBER OF JORDANIAN PRIVATE SCHOOLS WOULD BE
INTERESTED.


3. THERE REMAINS GREAT REGIONAL ANXIETY OVER PERCEIVED U.S.
INTENTIONS TO "INFILTRATE" THE EDUCATION SYSTEMS OF ARAB
COUNTRIES AND "CORRUPT" ARAB VALUES. WITH THIS IN MIND,
JORDANIAN OFFICIALS WOULD DOUBTLESS BE MORE AMENABLE TO A
LOW KEY PROGRAM THAT PRODUCES SOLID BENEFITS TO CHILDREN,
BUT WHICH FORGOES HIGH PROFILE MEDIA COVERAGE.


4. IF MOE APPROVES, A PILOT PROJECT ON A LIMITED SCALE COULD
CONCEIVABLY BE LAUNCHED BY JANUARY 2004.


5. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING MORE ABOUT THIS INITIATIVE.

BERRY#