JERUSALEM, September 28, 2017 (WAFA) - The Faisal Husseini Foundation (FHF) and the European Union (EU), along with the Bank of Palestine (BOP) and other partners and beneficiaries, celebrated Thursday the launching of one of FHF‘s major program "The Comprehensive School Upgrading Program for 15 Schools in Jerusalem." The program will serve 4359 students &289 teachers.
The event which took place at Al Shabat Al Shamilah Secondary School was attended by Adnan Husseini, the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and its Governor, Ralph Tarraf, the Representative of the European Union, as well as Hiba Tantash the representative of Bank of Palestine, and Sameer Jibreel, the director of the Education Directorate of Jerusalem.
This is the third partnership between the EU and the FHF for the benefit of strengthening the inclusive education sector in East Jerusalem. The EU has previously funded two education-related programs that were implemented by the FHF, where their impact encouraged both parties to continue their investment in this vital sector in the city.
The program was developed according to FHF‘s experience working in East Jerusalem schools in an attempt to counter the effects of the Israeli occupation.
“Living under the occupation has affected the lives, rights and liberties of Palestinian Jerusalemites,” said Husseini. “In addition, the shortage in resources and the unfair taxes imposed by the occupation led to a severe deficit in the social services provided to the Palestinians in the city. Nevertheless we believe that the occupation will eventually end, and we will be able to gain our freedom and build our independent state.”
In his speech Abdalqader Husseini, the chairperson of the Faisal Husseini Foundation said: “The program will increase the access to better education services based on an inclusive environment with scientific research and technological utilization at its heart. The action is expected to enhance schools in raising confident students aware of their role as belonging citizens that know their rights, defend themselves and use the power of logic rather than the logic of power to attain these rights.”
Tarraf said: “Education is a fundamental right for every human being and every child. We believe that education, research and scientific development are essential elements for building a democratic society that respects diversity, pluralism and human rights. In East Jerusalem, children are facing great difficulties and challenges. Schools are overcrowded, barriers are numerous, and the resources are very ed.”
He added: “By working with our partners in East Jerusalem, we help improve the situation and address the challenges. This project is one of our interventions under the East Jerusalem Program that will benefit fifteen schools and hundreds of children in East Jerusalem.”
Jibreel highlighted the importance of the FHF‘s‘ program and its significant contribution to development of the schools in Jerusalem. He described the partnership between the directorate of education and the FHF as being effective in providing students with better education services that are in line with the plans and programs of the Ministry of Education.
Tantash explained that the bank‘s contribution aims to support the program stems. “We believe in the importance of supporting the educational sector in Jerusalem and to translate its commitment to community," she added.
The program budget is around €1,800,000 of which 90% is funded by the European Union and 10% by the Bank of Palestine. The program activities include awareness and practical training activities for teachers, students and parents. In addition the program offers needed technological equipment including scientific and robotic-building tools, interactive projectors, educational software programs, books, and furniture to the 15 targeted schools.
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