The Government of the Republic of Korea and UNICEF signed a $2 million multi-year agreement to support the Makani programme, an integrated programme 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 South Korean Ambassador Lee Jae-wan and UNICEF Jordan Representative Tanya Chapuisat, according to a statement from the UN agency.

"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,” Lee said, highlighting the strategic partnership between the Republic of Korea and UNICEF in supporting the Syrian refugees in 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 programme,” said Chapuisat. 

"This agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to reach the most vulnerable, marginalised children and adolescents, and their families through Makani centres answering for their growing needs particularly in light of the COVID 19 pandemic.”

The Makani centres across the Kingdom, including in refugee camps, provide comprehensive services to marginalised and vulnerable children and adolescents aged 0-18 years and their caregivers, providing children and young people with a safe place to connect, learn and play and ensuring that every child receives equal services without discrimination based on gender, ability, language, race, religion or nationality.

Through this strategic partnership, Makani centres 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, the statement said.

This contribution will also provide refugees living in Azraq and Zaatri camps with direct access to employment opportunities inside the camps, according to the statement.

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, concluded the statement.