Canada has agreed to extend an additional 20 million Canadian dollars to fund a major education reform programme.

The two sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding that governs the extended financial aid “soon”, according to a statement by the ministry faxed to The Jordan Times.

During a meeting on Sunday between Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jaafar Hassan and Headquarter Director of Programmes in the Middle East and North Africa at the Canadian International Development Agency Vincent LePape, the two officials discussed bilateral ties and cooperation and means to boost the level of services provided by the agency, particularly in the fields of education and vocational training.

The funds will be used to support the second phase of the Education Reform for a Knowledge Economy initiative, a project that focuses on school development as the heart of the reform. According to the initiative’s website, it comprises four components that target education policy and strategy, curriculum and teacher upgrading, infrastructure and physical upgrading, and also early childhood education.

Hassan, who thanked the Canadian government for the additional assistance, briefed LePape on the economic challenges facing the country.