Jordan Rocks.

Embassy of Jordan staff volunteer in Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School Beautification Day

Washington, DC- August 21, 2009- In commemoration of two distinct historic occasions, the Tenth Anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s Accession to the Throne and Sixty years of diplomatic relations with the United States of America, the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC will volunteer at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School as part of Beautification Day activities which officially kick off August 22, 2009 across the U.S. capital.

The Embassy is partnering with the DC Public Education Fund (DCPEF) in coordinating Friday’s volunteer activities with Ludlow-Taylor Elementary. DCPEF aims to dramatically improve student achievement in the District of Columbia by serving as a strategic partner to businesses, foundations, community leaders, and individual donors in supporting and investing in high impact programs with the District of Columbia Public Schools.

His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra’ad, Jordan’s Ambassador to the United States, as well as the Embassy’s diplomats and staff will join teachers, the principal and community leaders in volunteering various beautification tasks from cleaning up to painting to gardening the schoolyard at Ludlow-Taylor.

The Embassy will also donate 17,000 USD to help the school pursue a comprehensive landscaping plan and purchase the needed play structures for Ludlow-Taylor’s students.

“Inspired by both His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania’s leadership in promoting education, empowering the youth and encouraging the spirit of volunteerism in Jordan and beyond, we chose to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Their Majesties accession to the throne by lending a hand to our American friends here in Washington at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary,” said Prince Zeid. He added, “This is truly a modest token of appreciation for the friendship our two countries has enjoyed over the past sixty years.”

"Since becoming Chancellor of DC Public Schools I've had the honor of meeting with the Ambassador, as well as His Majesty King Abdullah II," said Michelle Rhee. "Their commitment to education in the US and abroad should be commended – and we're grateful that the Ambassador and his colleagues have chosen to support one of our schools in such a positive way."

"Partnerships like this one with the Embassy of Jordan are essential to our success in transforming DC Public Schools," said Cate Swinburn, President of DC Public Education Fund. "We thank the Embassy for its support of the Ludlow-Taylor community and for its dedication to supporting the students of Washington, DC."