WB APPROVES US$25 MILLION CREDIT FOR ARMENIA SECOND EDUCATION PROJECT

ARKA
May 13, 2009

YEREVAN, May 13. /ARKA/. The World Bank Board of Directors today
approved a US$25 million credit for the Armenia Second Education
Quality and Relevance Project (APL II).

The credit by the International Development Association (IDA) will
assist Armenia in its efforts to improve the quality and relevance
of its educational system, to ensure that students graduate with
competitive skills. This is the second phase of the second education
project supported by the World Bank over the past 12 years in Armenia.

The project will enhance the curriculum and teaching methods in
education, the readiness of children entering primary schools, and
the integration of the Armenian tertiary education system into the
European higher education area.

Past projects have accomplished a great deal. The National Curriculum
Framework has been developed, a transparent examination system and
enhanced capacity to assess student performance has been introduced,
along with the creation of the Assessment and Testing Center, the
National Center of Education Technology, and an effective Computer
Revolving scheme which has allowed 85 percent of the schools in the
country to set up computer labs.

In addition, a massive in-service teacher training effort has been
carried out through an improved National Institute of Education and
consolidation of a successful per capita funding system resulted in=2
0 substantial efficiency gains and enhanced school autonomy.

"This new project builds on the achievements of Armenia’s reforms so
far, while extending the agenda to encompass preschool and higher
education," said Juan Manuel Moreno, Leader of the World Bank team
for the project. "It will comprehensively support the Government’s
efforts to accelerate the implementation of preschool, general and
tertiary education reforms despite the adverse consequences of the
global economic crisis."

The project will help the Armenian Education system meet critical
challenges. These include reversing the current deterioration – in
enrollments and in quality – of preschool education; supporting the
implementation of the 12-year general education system; improving
teacher quality through pre-service and in-service training; and,
contributing to Armenia’s integration in the European Higher Education
Area.

The Second Education Quality and Relevance project focuses on enhancing
the Quality of General Education. Activities will aim to increase
the readiness for general education of approximately 8,750 children,
while 140 of the poorest communities will benefit from targeted grants
to enhance the quality of preschool education. The quality of teaching
will be improved through training of 2750 high-school teachers and 150
principals, and by creating a school improvement network. In addition,
investments will ensure that all scho ols in Armenia are equipped with
up-to-date technologies, that about 400 of the most remote schools
are connected to the Internet, and that these technologies effectively
enhance learning. Further, the curriculum and assessment of the 12-year
general education system will be improved so that future graduates
will be equipped with relevant and competitive knowledge and skills.

The project also aims at supporting tertiary education reforms to help
achieve standards similar to education systems in Europe. The project
will establish and strengthen the capacity of the National Quality
Assurance system for tertiary education. An integrated Tertiary
Education Management Information System (TEMIS) will be created to
support policy planning, management, monitoring and evaluation of
performance of education. The component will also support the design
and piloting of a sustainable financing system for tertiary education,
including student loans and a Competitive Innovation Fund for the
financing of Universities.

The Credit will be provided to Armenia on standard IDA terms, including
20 years maturity and a 10-year grace period.

Since joining the World Bank in 1992 and IDA in 1993, Armenia has
received approximately US$1187 million.