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In view of the continuing emergency situation in the West Bank and Gaza the Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining flexibility and responsiveness and focussing funding where it is most likely to make a difference. In close consultation and co-operation with The Welfare Association (Geneva) the following priority areas were identified:
1. Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Therapy for Children
A number of emergency centres, equipment and provisions were urgently needed in isolated areas, due to checkpoints and restricted movements there were no accessible alternatives. Increasing military activity has added to the suffering of children, trauma therapy and counselling are a priority.
2. Community Rehabilitation
The purpose of this programme is two-fold. With increasing numbers of civilians caught in the conflict and suffering devastating injuries, disability treatment and rehabilitation programmes are being piloted in Gaza, a high priority area. Also with increasing unemployment rates these disabled people need to be re-skilled in order to restore their income to their families; this is a integral component of the pilot rehabilitation programme.
3. Pre-School Education and Children’s Programmes
This is viewed as an important investment in the future. A number of kindergartens have been supported and upgraded. Additionally computer skills are being taught as an introduction to the important and expanding IT industry in the West Bank. This could be of enormous importance in the future when these youngsters join the workforce.
4. Environmental Restoration
The purpose of this programme is two-fold. Not only to maintain the integrity of the historic environment and aesthetic surroundings, but also to generate employment opportunities and restore lost incomes. Also at this difficult time it will restore valuable nutritional sources.
1. Vocational Training
With very high levels of unemployment, it was felt that restoring an income to as many families as funds made possible was a priority. With real employment possibilities for Palestinians in the IT sector and in nursing these vocational training programmes have been very successful.
2. Community Centres for Disabled Children
In these harsh camp conditions in the camps – those particularly neglected and at risk are the disabled children. With the stigma attached to disability it is vital that these children are integrated into the community and encouraged to join other children. This programme seeks to offer educational opportunities where the children may develop their skills and simultaneously receive appropriate training and exercise.
3. Pre-School Education
With very limited services available and the high drop out rate for school children – this is felt to be a very important first step on the educational ladder and structures a young child’s attitude to future schooling.
4. Cultural Activities
This diaspora community is surviving very harsh conditions whilst being culturally segregated, isolated and neglected. As funds allow cultural activities will be promoted and supported.
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