jordan pulse -

Jordan Kuwait Bank, in partnership with IFC and World Bank, concludes phase one of CareArabia, a programme designed to strengthen licensed nurseries in Jordan. Initiative aims to enable nurseries to access finance by improving business models, operations and readiness for funding through specialised training and mentoring, supporting women’s economic participation and helping them remain in labour market.

Programme saw strong interest with 110 nurseries applying; 50 selected after detailed evaluation. Selected nurseries completed a series of workshops in Amman covering business management, financial planning, child-protection procedures and public safety.

Nurseries then moved to two-month one-to-one mentoring with specialised advisers, developing practical growth plans based on operational needs. At closing ceremony, bank announced two awards of JD 5,000 for top two nurseries meeting excellence criteria.

Zuhdi Jiyousi, Head of Corporate Banking at Jordan Kuwait Bank, said the programme reflects the bank’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and to strengthening childcare sector to boost women’s labour participation and a more flexible, sustainable work environment for working families.

Bank highlighted its sustainable finance product ‘Hadanati’, launched late 2024 as a major financing solution for women entrepreneurs, offering funding up to JD 250,000 without collateral in partnership with Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation. Bank already receiving applications, with demand expected to rise as participants complete guidance phase.

Programme outcomes showed strong commitment from nursery owners and clear interest in developing financial and administrative skills, reflecting programme’s impact on sector growth and service quality.

Jordan Kuwait Bank stressed that CareArabia marks a strategic step toward enhancing private-sector role in supporting early childhood and paves way for wider national solutions including digital platforms and sustainable training initiatives.