Ammon News -

The Government of South Korea and UNICEF signed a $2 million multi-year agreement to support the Makani program.

Makani is an integrated program that links interventions in education, child protection and adolescent and youth engagement in a safe and protected environment.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony attended by Korean Ambassador, Lee Jae-wan, and UNICEF Representative, Tanya Chapuisat, a UNICEF statement said.

"The Korean Government’s contribution comes as part of the Republic of Korea’s plan to assist the Jordan Response Plan for the Syrian Crisis" said the Korean Ambassador to Jordan.

"We hope that this contribution could help support the wellbeing and advance the most vulnerable children’s education especially during the Covid-19 pandemic" he added.

"UNICEF welcomes the renewed support and generous contribution of the Republic of Korea to the Makani program," said Chapuisat.

"This agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to reach the most vulnerable, marginalized children and adolescents, and their families through Makani centers answering for their growing needs particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic," she added.

Through this strategic partnership, Makani centers will be able to further support 80,000 vulnerable children in Jordan including those living in refugee camps, as well as supporting young refugees’ transition to adulthood and equipping them for meaningful employment opportunities.

This contribution will also provide refugees living in Azraq and Za’atri camps with direct access to employment opportunities inside the camps.

Since 2012, The Government of the Republic of Korea has contributed more than $12 million to UNICEF in Jordan, making it possible for UNICEF to reach the most vulnerable children and youth with critical Child Protection, Education, Social Protection, Health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene interventions.