FEBRUARY 2006

UNICEF Provides About One Million Dollars to Support Programmes for Adolescent Development and Participation in Jordan

Amman (2 February, 2006)- The Ministry of Education, the Higher Council for Youth, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed today their Annual Work Plan for 2006 amounting to JD 647,430 ($914,449). This assistance contributes to the achievement of the overall objectives of the Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Jordan and UNICEF for 2003-2007. This financial contribution is in addition to the technical assistance provided by the Organisation.

The implementation of this Plan will involve Governmental and non-governmental organisations to work hand in hand with the UNICEF Adolescents Programme to contribute to the development of girls and boys aged 10-18 years. The aim is to encourage the participation of adolescents in decisions that influence their lives. The Programme is in compliance with His Majesty King Abdullah's directives to improve the well being and participation of youth. The Programme also supports efforts for the implementation of the National Youth Strategy, the Jordanian National Plan of Action for Children, and the Millennium Development Goals.

Key activities planned for this year include the integration of life skills such as decision making, communication and negotiation, in two subject areas (vocational education and physical education) of the Jordanian curricula. Funds will also be used for the training of teachers, the review of the role of student councils, and their re-activation in schools and public life. Another objective is to activate existing youth centers to provide opportunities for adolescents, create children municipal councils, and raise awareness on issues of concern such as HIV/AIDS. All this will be complemented by the development of resource material for adolescents and their parents on healthy lifestyles such as the dangers of smoking and drug abuse.

The Programme focuses on creating an environment to stimulate the development of adolescents and their participation in the decisions that concern them. Priority is also given to the institutional development of youth organizations and the capacity building of those working with this important segment of society. The ultimate aim is to give adolescents the opportunity to be positive agents of change in their society.

Other key partners to the Adolescents Programme are the Ministry of Health, National Council for Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Development, National Institute for Training, Princess Basma Youth Resource Center/Queen Zein Al-Sharaf Institute, Greater Amman Municipality, Jordan River Foundation, Noor El-Hussein Foundation, and members from the United Nations, the private sector and others.