(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Al Fakhoora programme of Education Above All (EAA) will this week see the implementation of rehabilitation projects start in Gaza, working in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA).
In November 2014, the Qatar Development Fund had donated $40mn to support EAA's Al Fakhoora programme. Subsequent to this donation, Al Fakhoora signed agreements with UNDP, Unicef and UNWRA.
This time last year, Gaza witnessed a 51-day conflict, during which more than 2,200 people lost their lives, including more than 500 children, and there were over 11,000 injured people. The conflict caused the destruction and damage of tens of thousands of homes, hospitals, schools and educational facilities.
Working closely with Unicef, UNDP and Al Fakhoora will respond to the current deficit of classrooms in Gaza.
Rehabilitation works on damaged schools in Gaza are expected to commence this week. These will be followed by the rehabilitation of five vocational training centres that are partially damaged and 10 universities and colleges. UNDP will also build the capacity of facilities for mental health and employment prospects through work training and employee mentorship. UNRWA will refurbish schools that were damaged during the conflict by refugees fleeing homes during the conflict.
The Al Fakhoora projects, implemented by its partners, will benefit more than 420,000 students and over half a million families, and see more than 140,000 people employed locally.
The reconstruction and rehabilitation projects include the rebuilding of four totally-destroyed primary and secondary schools and buildings, 14 damaged primary and secondary schools, 10 universities and five training centres.
Some 218 primary and secondary schools will be refurbished and works include the equipment of classrooms with furniture and educational supplies, creation of child-friendly classrooms, instalment of renewable solar energy and generators, water pumps and "Wash" facilities as well as
playgrounds and sports facilities.
To address the need for psychosocial support, 11,000 teachers, 407 school counsellors and 200 professionals will be trained in child protection and psychosocial services. Al Fakhoora's bespoke Leadership and Development programme will engage students through creating civic leadership opportunities, empowering them to drive community initiatives.
The Leadership and Development programme will benefit more than 3,000 children and youth, over 300 existing Al Fakhoora students and also engage more than 100 Qatari youth.
Commenting on this week's meetings with the UN agencies, Al Fakhoora director Farooq Burney said: "By collaborating with partners on the ground, our goal is to make a difference for thousands of children, youth and families in Gaza."
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