Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08AMMAN2582
2008-09-04 13:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Amman
Cable title:
IRAQI REFUGEES GAIN ACCESS TO JORDANIAN PUBLIC
how-toVZCZCXRO5311 OO RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHAM #2582 2481355 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 041355Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY AMMAN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3466 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0674
UNCLAS AMMAN 002582
SIPDIS
Department for NEA/ELA and PRM/ANE
E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A
TAGS: PREF EAID JO
SUBJECT: IRAQI REFUGEES GAIN ACCESS TO JORDANIAN PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
UNCLAS AMMAN 002582
SIPDIS
Department for NEA/ELA and PRM/ANE
E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A
TAGS: PREF EAID JO
SUBJECT: IRAQI REFUGEES GAIN ACCESS TO JORDANIAN PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
1. On August 31, 2008, representatives of USAID met
together with UNHCR, UNICEF, the European Commission, and
the Jordanian Ministries of Education and Finance to
discuss education programs for Iraqi refugees. Dr.
Akour, Director of General Education, chaired the
meeting.
2. The Ministry of Education (MOE) reported that 40,000
students, both Jordanian and foreign, shifted into the
public school system this year due to rising tuition
costs at private schools. The transfers caused further
classroom overcrowding and the need to hold two class
sessions at an additional 20 schools this year (making
approximately 270 double-shifted schools in the
Kingdom). The MOE said it had issued a letter/circular
requesting schools to report the number of non-Jordanians
enrolled, but could not promise when this data would be
available.
3. The Donors expressed the desire to support the
overall education system, benefiting both Jordanian and
Iraqis, and requested a list of priorities and associated
costs for external assistance. The donors also urged
better reporting on the number of Iraqi beneficiaries.
4. The donors indicated their interest in supporting
these specific areas:
-- European Commission: School fees and textbooks
for Iraqis and Jordanians;
-- UNHCR: School infrastructure (Note: this will require
moving to a two-year budget cycle, which UNHCR indicated
it was prepared to do; end note.);
-- UNICEF: Operational costs tied to specific double-
shifted schools, e.g., teacher salaries, utilities,
maintenance, etc.
5. Comment: RefCoord will join USAID in a follow-up
meeting to coordinate criteria, selection, and process
for undertaking school expansion and new school
construction programmed through USAID partner CDM
International. The donor group also agreed to meet again
with the ministries after Ramadan, in the expectation
that the MOE would have data on enrollment.
Visit AmmanQs Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/amman
BEECROFT
SIPDIS
Department for NEA/ELA and PRM/ANE
E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A
TAGS: PREF EAID JO
SUBJECT: IRAQI REFUGEES GAIN ACCESS TO JORDANIAN PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
1. On August 31, 2008, representatives of USAID met
together with UNHCR, UNICEF, the European Commission, and
the Jordanian Ministries of Education and Finance to
discuss education programs for Iraqi refugees. Dr.
Akour, Director of General Education, chaired the
meeting.
2. The Ministry of Education (MOE) reported that 40,000
students, both Jordanian and foreign, shifted into the
public school system this year due to rising tuition
costs at private schools. The transfers caused further
classroom overcrowding and the need to hold two class
sessions at an additional 20 schools this year (making
approximately 270 double-shifted schools in the
Kingdom). The MOE said it had issued a letter/circular
requesting schools to report the number of non-Jordanians
enrolled, but could not promise when this data would be
available.
3. The Donors expressed the desire to support the
overall education system, benefiting both Jordanian and
Iraqis, and requested a list of priorities and associated
costs for external assistance. The donors also urged
better reporting on the number of Iraqi beneficiaries.
4. The donors indicated their interest in supporting
these specific areas:
-- European Commission: School fees and textbooks
for Iraqis and Jordanians;
-- UNHCR: School infrastructure (Note: this will require
moving to a two-year budget cycle, which UNHCR indicated
it was prepared to do; end note.);
-- UNICEF: Operational costs tied to specific double-
shifted schools, e.g., teacher salaries, utilities,
maintenance, etc.
5. Comment: RefCoord will join USAID in a follow-up
meeting to coordinate criteria, selection, and process
for undertaking school expansion and new school
construction programmed through USAID partner CDM
International. The donor group also agreed to meet again
with the ministries after Ramadan, in the expectation
that the MOE would have data on enrollment.
Visit AmmanQs Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/amman
BEECROFT