Jordan Daily – Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) has successfully concluded its joint development project with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Implemented from 2020 to 2026, the project aimed to enhance the quality, relevance, and sustainability of associate diploma programs at Irbid University College and Karak University College.
Over the six-year implementation period, the project achieved a range of tangible and institutionalized outcomes. These included the establishment or renovation of 24 technical training laboratories, the provision of advanced educational equipment, and the development or substantial improvement of seven associate diploma programs such as electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, building construction, dental labs, electronics, fashion and knitting, graphic design and welding aligned with labor market demands. In addition, 139 textbooks were produced to support updated curricula and applied learning, the Embassy of Korea said in a press release received by Jordan Daily.
As a result of these efforts, approximately 4,000 students successfully graduated from the supported programs, while more than 5,000 students benefited from career guidance, employability support, and job preparation programs implemented under the project.
During the closing ceremony, attended by a wide range of official and academic representative, H.E. Mr. Kim Pil-woo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan, praised the tangible and successful outcomes of the project, stating, “This project is an investment for the Jordanian young generation and their future opportunities, and our joint efforts have contributed to addressing one of Jordan’s most pressing challenges: high youth unemployment.” He highlighted that “education and vocational training have always been a central pillar of Korea’s support for Jordan’s socio-economic development” and reaffirmed Korea’s unwavering commitment to supporting Jordan in its journey for a greater development.
For his part, Professor Ahmad Fakhri Al-Ajlouni, President of Al-Balqa Applied University, stated that the project constitutes a successful model of international development partnership based on knowledge exchange and capacity building. He noted that the project has had a direct impact on improving the learning environment, strengthening associate diploma programs, and upgrading educational facilities and equipment at the beneficiary colleges.
He further explained that the project, implemented as part of a development cooperation valued at approximately USD 10 million, focused on modernizing academic and professional programs in line with labor market requirements, while also building the capacities of academic and administrative staff and students through specialized training, career guidance, collaboration with Korean experts and institutions, and the establishment of Career Development Centers (CDCs) to support students’ transition to the labor market.
The project contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), underscoring the shared commitment of Jordan and the Republic of Korea to advancing technical and applied education as a foundation for sustainable development.
