* Initiative comes in support of EAA project
Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Palestine’s Ministry of Education to contribute to the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation's efforts aimed at supporting Palestinian refugee students who are enrolled at UNRWA schools in Gaza, the West Bank and Syria.
The beneficiary students face crises, poverty and disability, and were selected based on the socio-economic circumstances of their families, which negatively affects them and their levels of enrolment, according to a press statement issued by EAA on Monday. The MoU was signed by Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari, director-general of QFFD, and Dr Marwan Awartani, Palestinian Minister of Education, in co-operation with EAA.
Al-Kuwari said, “We are proud of the work we are doing to help rebuild education systems and provide the necessary support, especially for students in Palestinian refugee camps affected by crises, poverty and disability. The continued deterioration of the socio-economic situation in the Gaza Strip has led to large numbers of displaced and disadvantaged children who do not have access to quality education, shelter or support.”
He stressed QFFD’s commitment to contribute to positive change in the lives of children and refugees in the Gaza Strip through the launch of such projects and investment in the people of Palestine. He also expressed the Fund's aspirations to strengthen relations with partners, play a greater role in the education sector and inspire children and young people in the Gaza Strip to work towards their development and prosperity.
QFFD will continue to support the people of Palestine in strategic partnership with EAA, not only providing quality education but also academic and social support programmes that will improve the lives of children in the Gaza Strip, the statement notes.
Education, as the fourth Sustainable Development Goal, is the focus of the majority of programmes that QFFD is keen to support around the world to seek to provide quality, equitable education and enhance the opportunities for lifelong learning for all. This is in line with Qatar’s values that education is the basis for all human development, the statement adds.
In this context, Dr Awartani stressed the importance of the agreement, as its objectives touch the basic needs of refugee students in Palestinian camps and address the phenomenon of dropping out of school. The minister praised Qatar's support for Palestine at various levels, thanking the Qatari leadership, Qatar Development Fund and Education above All Foundation for their permanent co-operation to serve Palestinian education, calling the memorandum a step on the road to promoting a sustainable partnership to support education, adding: "I thank you all on behalf of Palestine and its children."
Fahad al-Sulaiti, CEO of EAA Foundation, added: “At EAA, we seek to create a brighter future for those currently affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as other crises such as conflict and poverty. We want to provide a future full of opportunity for Palestine.
“Providing quality, equitable education to vulnerable and marginalised groups is an empowering factor for human development. Education provides skills that enhance employment opportunities and raise incomes, and it is a key tool for states and societies in socio-economic development.”
