AED2.5 billion for education in 14 countries
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, has financed 129 development projects in the education sector with a total value of AED2.5 billion. Benefiting 14 developing countries, these projects have contributed to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Fund’s steadfast commitment to supporting developing countries in achieving their development priorities through building capabilities and imparting knowledge via the education sector, which plays an integral role in driving growth in key socio-economic sectors.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said: "The financing of development projects in the education sector is a key priority for ADFD. The sector is crucial to developing countries, as it helps qualify future cadres, promote talent growth, drive sustainable development and ensure national self-sufficiency in the long run."
An ADFD report, issued to mark International Day of Education that falls on 24th January, reveals that in the last 10 years, the Fund financed the establishment of more than 40 schools in several developing countries to increase education levels and help eradicate illiteracy. It has also provided funds to 35 universities and colleges for building construction and renovation, as well as upgrades of infrastructure, equipment and processes in line with international standards.
"To help achieve SDG 4, ADFD is proud to join forces with the international community to provide quality education for all – regardless of gender, religion, geographic location or economic status," Al Suwaidi added.
As part of its efforts to support sustainable development in key socio-economic sectors, ADFD has funded multiple vital education projects. Notable projects include the 'Public Universities Development Programme' in Jordan where the ADFD allocated AED466 million to ensure the development and upgrade of nine public universities. The programme scope involves the construction of faculty buildings, auditoriums, laboratories, power generating stations with a focus on solar energy, and water desalination plants. The Fund is also financing the provision of state-of-the-art equipment to modernise the universities’ facilities and enhance the learning experience of their students.
The ADFD also contributed AED124 million in Jordan on a project that will see the building of 30 new schools featuring modern science laboratories and state-of-the-art educational equipment to cater to the growing number of students and create an engaging learning environment in line with international best practices. The schools will contribute to enhancing the education sector in Jordan.
Advancing technical education in Jordan's community colleges has also been given a priority, with the ADFD's AED33 million funding initiative to enhance capacities of community colleges, expand their technical and applied science education programmes, and provide the latest equipment for laboratories and workshops.
The Fund has also supported the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakesh, Morocco, with an Abu Dhabi government grant worth AED239 million. The grant enabled the university to purchase equipment for the 916-bed Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakesh, a specialist medical complex that spans 8.8 hectares.
In line with the Pakistani government’s development goals, ADFD has played a crucial role in advancing the country’s education sector. The Fund managed an AED46 million grant that financed the construction of three training colleges in remote areas – Warsak College in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Wana College and Spinkai Cadet College, both located in South Waziristan.
Another major project in Pakistan is the Sheikh Zayed International Academy (SZIA), one of the largest educational institutions in the capital Islamabad. Leveraging ADFD’s funding of AED14 million in 2009, SZIA has built up a reputation for its international curriculum, high academic standards, efficient administration and diverse extracurricular activities.
ADFD also provided AED37 million to finance the construction of three universities in Zambia. Catering to diverse academic disciplines, including mathematics, sciences and arts, the universities aim to increase higher education opportunities in the country in line with the Zambia Vision 2030.
The Fund, in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has supported education programmes in Palestine, by administering an AED42 million grant to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The funding supported the provision of education for some 15,0000 Palestinian refugee children across 14 schools in the Gaza strip.
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