In September 2006, USAID/Siyaha awarded a $164,850 grant to the Jordanian Hospitality and Tourism Education Company (JHTEC). JHTEC, which is made up of Jordan International High School (JIS), Jordan Applied University (JAU) and Century Park Training Hotel (CPH), will use this grant to improve the level of education in hospitality and tourism offered to students, and to make learning in this sector generally more attractive to draw in greater numbers of students.

To date, many improvements have taken place, and the grant is already helping to build the capacity of its students and provide them with an excellent educational platform. JIS student Yacoub Al Qasis commented on the facilities of the hotel school, saying, "There is a great study environment that includes a range of methods to learn about working in a hotel. Equipping classrooms with audiovisual equipment had a big impact on us becoming more active and making classes more attractive."

Improvements resulting from the grant are as follows:

Better Equipment
Equipment was procured for the school, including five LCD projectors and five desktop computers, along with the accessories and necessary installation. In addition, a state-of-the-art internet and intranet system was installed.

Improved Information Management
JHTEC has also upgraded computer systems at the school and training hotel. So far, a new Micros system has been installed at CPH, enabling the hotel to manage information, and it is now under trial. For JIS, Fidelio Food and Beverage software has also been ordered, and will be used to train students and familiarize them with this standard international system. In addition, the school has commissioned a local software developer to develop a student registration system. This is currently in its final stages of installation and trial.

Comprehensive References
The grant is also funding the production of twelve manuals for CPH, which cover various topics related to the operation of a hotel. The manuals with thus be used by students who train at the hotel, and will act as operational department tools for hotel staff. Topics covered include Housekeeping, Banqueting and Conferencing, etc. The manuals are in the design phase and the entire series should be completed and printed within the next couple of months.

Marketing Material
The market outreach capacity of the JHTEC is being enhanced in order to attract students to the tourism industry. So far, the design of JIS publications has started, including creating logos, developing brochures, and conducting photo sessions. Websites are being developed for each of JIS and CPH, and work on these has been initiated.

Training
The capacity of JHTEC staff is also being targeted, and several training activities have already been conducted for staff from JIS, CPH and JAU. These include "Train the Trainers" and "Train the Teachers" courses, two 'Safety, Hygiene and Environmental Care’ courses, including one focused on "Good House Keeping" and "Food Hygiene". Staff have also undergone English language and exam writing courses, ICDL training, and specialized kitchen training.