
PM Mikati launches "D-RASATI” project for Developing Rehabilitation Assistance to Schools and Teachers Improvement in Lebanon
Monday, Feb 27, 2012
Prime Minister Najib Mikati launched today at the Grand Serail the D-RASATI project that support for rehabilitation and development of schools and teachers improvement in Lebanese educational institutions.
The project is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Minister of Education and Higher Education, Haasan Diab and US Ambassador to Lebanon, Maura Conelly were present at the launching.
Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed “that the Government approved the work on developing a unified history book for schools which is in the core interest of highlighting the importance of Lebanon's modern history, which is an extension of the past periods that we are proud of since it reflects the significance of Lebanon”.
PM Mikati added "we should be faithful to our glorious history, and honest with the facts that no can ignore, and that the history book should be developed away from the personal desires and considerations and instead should reflect a common national view that protects our national unity and stresses the importance Lebanese solidarity”.
Education Minister, Hassan Diab promised to provide the necessary support and assistance, to this project which aims to improve the quality of education and establishing reforms that would increase the chances of success for students and improve their learning skills.
US Ambassador Maura Connelly said:
For the past 60 years, our two governments have shared the belief that a quality education is a right for all of Lebanon’s children. The D-RASATI project is proof of our mutual commitment to that principle. Funded by USAID, D-RASATI is the largest single educational development assistance project in Lebanon providing $75 million over five years at benefiting more than 270,000 public school students in Lebanon.
Today, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is leading the D-RASATI project and is providing outstanding vision and determination to shape Lebanon’s public school system and meet the needs of a new generation as they contribute to a pluralistic, prosperous, stable, and independent Lebanon.
The United States is pleased to support these efforts and the Lebanese government’s National Education Strategy that targets improved and equal access to quality public education for all of Lebanon’s children.
D-RASATI builds on the partnership between USAID, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and the Center for Educational Research and Development. Together, we are dedicated to providing an environment that is conducive to learning by repairing and equipping schools, enhancing teacher and principal leadership skills through in-service training, engaging students in extracurricular activities, and increasing the involvement of parents and communities in their local schools.
Our first major achievement together was a comprehensive assessment of all public schools in the country in terms of infrastructure, equipment, enrollment, drop-outs, repetition, community participation, and teachers’ instructional practices. The assessment now stands as the central document for government and international donor planning moving forward.


