Fishermen benefit from QC training programmes.
Qatar Charity (QC) has signed an agreement for the implementation of the training of Gaza fishermen on occupational safety, building new workshops, and building offices for the fishermen’s union in Rafah and Deir al-Balah for worth $250,000.
For more than four years, QC has been committed to promote the fishing industry and fisheries in Gaza while assisting 4,000 fishermen and their families, who struggle even in times of peace to ply their trade due to the blockades.
This has been part of an agriculture and fisheries programme valued at $10mn that has helped more than 210,000 people under the projects, QC said in a statement.
The projects also included rehabilitation and maintenance of fishing boats and creation of 85 equipment storage sheds for fishermen, renovated 118 homes of fishermen, in addition to the rehabilitation of agricultural land and drilling of wells.
Last year’s aggression on the Gaza Strip cost fishermen an estimated $9mn, according to official sources. This was split between direct losses amounting to $6mn and indirect losses of $3mn. More than 50 fishing boats were destroyed, including a similar number of equipment storage sheds.
In early 2014, QC’s work with the fishing community included a vocational training programme for the 280 children of fishermen in the Gaza Strip with a budget of $140,000.
The 13 vocational courses offered ranged from repair and maintenance of marine engines and electricity, sewing and embroidery, computer and mobile phone repair and maintenance, to language skills and office management. Trainees were also being provided with relevant and related income-generating projects prior to the aggression.
