The World Bank approved on May, 15, a EUR 80 Million (US$105 million) Secondary Education Project Loan (SEP) for Turkey. The main development objective of the project is to improve the quality and economic relevance of secondary education in Turkey.

In line with the focus of the World Bank’s assistance program in Turkey, which revolves around sound macroeconomics, effective governance, and equitable human development, the project will support:

Curriculum reforms in general and vocational education, including the increasing the use of information communication technology to meet the needs of Turkey’s emerging economy. Strengthening career guidance and counseling programs to help students place themselves effectively in Turkey’s labor market and learn effective skills to cope with life’s challenges. Assessing and benchmarking Turkey’s education programs and institutions to national and international norms to improve the quality and relevance of secondary education in Turkey.

„This important project will help secondary school staff, students and parents improve educational achievement and quality, which are crucial requirements for Turkey heading to join the EU,“ said Andrew Vorkink, Country Director for Turkey. „A key challenge facing Turkey today is preparing graduates to compete in the domestic and international labor markets of tomorrow. This project will help produce such graduates.“

The Secondary Education Project will be one further step forward in the World Bank’s efforts to support education reform in Turkey. The Bank has been supporting Turkey with loans of US$300 million for a Basic Education Project (BEP I) and a further US$300 million for the Second Basic Education Project (BEP II).