USAID Awards Contract to Revitalize Education in Iraq
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2003-027
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2003
Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced an initial $1 million, 12-month contract to Creative Associates International Inc. (CAII) to address immediate educational needs and promote participation of the Iraqi people in a sustainable, decentralized educational system. The U.S. government's goal is to ensure that children are prepared for the new school year beginning in September 2003.
CAII, an international consulting firm with its headquarters in Washington, D.C., will implement a USAID education assistance program, "Revitalization of Iraqi Schools and Stabilization of Education" (RISE). The program is a rapid response effort to increase enrollment and improve the quality of primary and secondary education through short-term immediate impact activities that will lay the foundation for more sustainable reform.
Short-term activities will include development of baseline indicators to measure educational progress, and procuring and distributing essential school materials, equipment and supplies. These materials will be provided in time for the new school year to open, reducing any disruptions in classroom education. Child-centered, participatory teaching methods will be introduced to lay the foundations for democratic practices and attitudes among students, parents and teachers.
CAII will also work to improve teacher training and school leadership programs, and provide high-level technical assistance to help reform the educational system. As nearly 25 percent of school-age children are not currently attending school, the RISE initiative will pilot accelerated learning programs throughout Iraq and offer short-term, intensive bridge programs to help children re-enter the education system at the appropriate grade levels for their ages.
The RISE contract does not include production of textbooks. USAID solicitations related to the production of textbooks on certain school subjects will be forthcoming.
This education contract is part of USAID's planned reconstruction assistance to the Iraqi people, aimed at helping maintain stability, ensure the delivery of essential services, and facilitate economic recovery. This is one of eight initial requests for proposals (RFPs) issued by USAID as part of its overall relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq. For more information on USAID's humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Iraq, as well as the actual education RFP, please visit www.usaid.gov/iraq/.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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