Italian Cooperation - Gerusalemme

NEWSLETTER n.8Italian Development Cooperation in Jordan: In the framework of the new assignmentof the Italian Cooperation Office in Jerusalem responsible since June, 2007 of Cooperation Affairs in Jordan,this section will be dedicated to report News Items on the Italian Cooperation Initiatives in the Country.Italy supports the Faculty ofRehabilitation Sciencesof the University of JordanAMMAN- On December 12, 2007 the Italian Ambassador to JordanGianfranco Giorgolo and the Jordan Minister of Planningand International Cooperation Suhair Al –Ali signed an agreementunder which the Directorate General for Cooperation andDevelopment of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledgeda total amount of € 4.3 million (of which €2.5 million as a grantand the remainder soft loan) to strengthen the Faculty of RehabilitationSciences at the University of Jordan, established inthe 1999-2000 academic year.More than 500 students will directly benefit from this project whichaims to meet the country’s demand for qualified personnel in physicaland occupational therapy, as well as orthotics and prosthetics.The Jordan Minister Al –Ali stated that the Italian government’s supportwill provide both the necessary equipment for the Faculty ofRehabilitation Sciences and the secondement of Italian professors inthe field of physiotherapy, orthotics and prosthetics.Under this initiative 130 therapists will receive training in Jordanand 9 Jordanian experts will upgrade their professionalskills in Italy.Jordan offers, at a Regional level, high qualified health care servicesboasting high professional and organizational structures, both publicand private. The Health system lacks though in qualified trainingfor health personnel, who often need to follow specialized coursesoutside the Country. The Italian project will contribute to reduce thisproclivity and enhance technical and professional competences ofthe students, enhancing and supporting at the same time the reformprocess of the Jordan health System.Representative of the Italian Cooperation Office in Jordan:Amjad Yaaqba - cooperation.amman@esteri.itPag. 24