Remarks at Signing of MEPI Grant Agreement to Develop On-Line English Language Teaching Program in Jordan SchoolsDavid M. Hale, U.S. Charge dAffairesZara Conference Center Amman, Jordan October 20, 2004 Thank you, Minister Touqan. It is my great pleasure to be here today to sign this memorandum of understanding for a $3 million U.S. government grant to develop an on-line English-language teaching curriculum in Jordan.
Jordan has a long tradition of educational excellence. We are extremely pleased to support this project, which will enable the Ministry of Education to make use of cutting-edge American technology in its efforts to provide the very best education for Jordanian students.
Cisco Learning Institute, which will develop and implement the on-line English curriculum, is a world leader in applying high-technology solutions to achieve academic excellence.
The English language links people all over the world, and its mastery is important for those young people who wish to broaden their horizons. We hope that this exciting initiative helps students build bridges and achieve their educational aspirations.
The project represents one more example of Jordan setting the standard for innovation in the region in meeting the challenges of the future. It also fits together with other ongoing efforts to support the Jordan Education Initiative, a bold agenda for reform announced by His Majesty King Abdullah at the meetings of the World Economic Forum.
The grant that funds this project comes as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative, which seeks to lend assistance to reform initiatives throughout the region. The U.S. Embassy through its USAID Mission and through the Office of the Regional English Language Advisor will follow implementation of this program and continue to offer assistance as necessary as it proceeds.
Education is the key to progress in so many areas of human endeavor and is at the heart of the Jordanian government’s ongoing program for socio-economic transformation. The U.S. government is proud to do what we can to assist these efforts and we wish the Minister much success as he and his colleagues carry this project to completion. |
