IFC (International Finance Corporation), ein Mitglied der Weltbankgruppe, fördert die Entwicklung der Grund- und höheren Schulbildung im Nahen Osten und Nordafrika mit weiteren 8 Millionen Dollar. In Brasilien soll mit 50 Millionen Reais der Zugang zu qualitativ hochwertiger und erschwinglicher Bildung unterstützt werden.
- IFC’s Equity Investment in First Education Holding to Expand Education in the Middle East
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will promote the development of primary and secondary education in the Middle East and North Africa with a further $8 million equity investment in First Education Holding, a leading provider of affordable high-quality education that caters to middle- and low-income families in the region.
IFC’s equity financing will support the acquisition of two established K-12 schools in Amman, Jordan and supplement IFC’s $14 million debt financing to the company announced in June 2009.
The project will increase access to education, improve the quality of services and facilities, implement higher standards, provide equal learning opportunities for children with special learning needs, train management and teachers, and increase employment for women.
Louay Khatib, Managing Director of First Education Holding, said, “First Education Holding is proud to deliver school improvement initiatives that enhance existing provision, especially at a time when private education at both the primary and secondary levels has become a key focus in the region.”
Guy Ellena, IFC Director for Health and Education, said, “The project will increase access to education services in underserved areas, reach lower-income households, and provide local employment opportunities for skilled professionals.”
Michael G. Essex, IFC Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said, “This investment gives us the opportunity to expand our support for the education sector and work with a partner who is committed to expanding high-quality education in MENA.”
IFC is the only international financial institution focused exclusively on the private sector, the engine of sustainable development in emerging markets. Along with IBRD, it is currently seeking a capital increase to strengthen its ability to create opportunity for the poor in developing countries—including by making loans to help meet educational demands.
First Education Holding
Established in 2007, First Education Holding owns and manages a chain of nurseries in Egypt (the Baby Academy) with more than 650 students and two private schools in the United Arab Emirates serving about 3,000 students and employing more than 700 staff. The company provides strategic management support to schools, thereby optimizing the growth and quality of its education businesses.
- IFC Invests in Brazil’s Anhanguera Educacional Participações to Help Meet Education Demands
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will promote access to high-quality and affordable education in Brazil with a financing of 50 million reais to Anhanguera Educacional Participações SA, the country’s leading private post-secondary institution.
In addition, PROPARCO, a subsidiary of Agence Française de Développement, will provide €8 million and DEG, a member of KfW Bankrengruppe, will provide €15 million. The funds will help finance Anhanguera’s investment plan for 2010.
Professor Antonio Carbonari, Anhanguera’s president and founder, said, “This financing will enable us to respond to the growing demand for education services by leveraging our business model and expanding our network of colleges and learning centers.”
Anhanguera had more than 250,000 students in 2009. Its business model for third-level education focuses on low- and middle-income working adults who may not have access to public universities. On average, its graduates have almost tripled their income after completing their studies. The model offers high-quality standards and affordable prices to the students.
Guy Ellena, IFC Director for Health and Education, said, “Anhanguera illustrates in very human terms the development impact that IFC is trying to achieve by reaching low- and middle-income students and offering them opportunities to improve their professional and technical education in order to get better jobs.” Andrew Gunther, IFC Country Manager for Brazil, added, “Anhanguera is a very good example of a financially sustainable private sector project that has a strong social impact. IFC is proud to continue supporting Anhanguera’s innovative approach and commitment to education in Brazil."
IFC’s relationship with Anhanguera dates back to 2006, with a $12 million loan to the company through Fundo de Educacão para o Brasil. In March 2007, Anhanguera became Latin America’s first private education company to list its shares through an initial public offering. In 2009, Anhanguera was the recipient of IFC’s Client Leadership Award in the real sector category.
IFC is the only international financial institution focused exclusively on the private sector, the engine of sustainable development in emerging markets. Along with IBRD, it is currently seeking a capital increase to strengthen its ability to create opportunity for the poor in developing countries—including by making loans to help meet educational demands.
About Anhanguera
Anhanguera Educacional Participações SA is Brazil’s leading private post-secondary institution. Its innovative business model is based on a structured curriculum, a decentralized network of campuses, and standardized delivery through a campus network offering more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs; vocational training centers offering short-term information technology and business-related disciplines; and distance learning centers, offering undergraduate, graduate, and extension programs.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, creates opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives. We foster sustainable economic growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development, mobilizing private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments.