EU launches three programs to support reform

$42 million to promote economic growth,
public education, and social justice

The European Commission has recently announced three new programs for improving the quality of public service. "Our new support to Lebanon underlines our commitment to on-going cooperation with the country, as well as helping the government to achieve its ambitious reform agenda,” said European Union (EU) commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Stefan Füle.

With a total budget of around $41.7 million, the programs will focus on providing the basis for inclusive economic growth and improving public education, at both the academic and vocational levels, as well as on helping to create jobs, and promoting social justice. Füle said: “By targeting strategic areas such as education, social justice, and economic sustainability we are helping to substantially improve the living conditions for the entire population.

The first program, ‘Stimulating Sustainable Growth and Job Opportunities’, has a budget of $15.6 million. Activities planned in this program include pilot projects to disseminate good practices, access to finance and innovative banking, awareness-raising campaigns, and support to draft a policy framework.

The second program, ‘Community and Labour Oriented Scheme for Education Reform’ (CLOSER), has a budget of $10.4 million. This project aims to improve the quality and relevance of teaching and learning at public schools and vocational training institutes. Support provided through this program will focus on enhancing the achievement rate at school level, and on quality enhancement at the level of vocational and technical education centers.

The third program, 'Promotion of Social Justice', has a budget of $15.6 million. The program will promote and contribute to protect human rights, especially for the most vulnerable segment of the population. It will support Lebanon in meeting its international human rights obligations, as well as reinforce democratic governance, with a particular focus on youth, gender, and social protection.