Brussels, 07/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 December, the European Commission announced an additional €32 million for reform in Lebanon. This envelope will fund three new programmes as part of the 2012 Annual Action Programme for Lebanon, Part II.
The first programme, aiming to stimulate sustainable and inclusive growth, and to create decent job opportunities, will be provided with €12 million, and should enable pilot projects to be accomplished to disseminate good practices, access to finance and innovative banking, awareness raising campaigns and support to develop a policy framework.
The programme on the promotion of social justice, also to be given €12 million, will develop capacity building activities in support of the parliament, promote and contribute to the protection of human rights, develop social protection for the most vulnerable populations and improve the social dialogue among social partners.
Allocated €8 million, the CLOSER (Community and Labour Oriented Scheme for Education Reform) programme aims to improve the quality and relevance of teaching and learning in Lebanese state schools and vocational training institutes. It also supports the National Education Strategy and Education Sector Development Plan 2010-2015, and will help bridge the gap between decision-makers and practitioners. (CG/transl.fl)