Japan’s Ambassador to Lebanon hosts scholarship recipients – UNRWA refugee story

PRESS RELEASE

27 October 2009

Ambassador of Japan hosts scholarship recipients 

Beirut – 27 October 2009

The Ambassador of Japan in Lebanon H.E. Mr. Koichi Kawakami hosted a lunch at his residence for seven Palestinian female students who graduated in Sciences and Business Administration thanks to scholarships from the Government of Japan. The students were accompanied by the UNRWA Director of Operations, Mr. Salvatore Lombardo, the Lebanon Education Programme Chief, Ms. Afaf Younis, and other UNRWA staff.

In June 2004, the Japanese government donated US$ 100,000 to cover scholarships for the seven students. Thanks to this generous donation, the students were able to pursue higher education at universities in Lebanon, helping them increase their chances of better future employment opportunities. The scholarships covered the full university tuition fees and other education-related expenses. Savings have allowed three more students to be sponsored for the coming academic year 2009/2010.

The Director of UNRWA Affairs thanked the Japanese Government for its continuous investment in the education of Palestine refugees, particularly female students.

Since 1999, UNRWA, with the general support of donors, has been able to help hundreds of Palestinian students pursue their university education in Lebanon, an opportunity rarely afforded to young refugees.

The Government of Japan has donated generously approximately US$ 580,000 to the Agency for scholarships since 2004. It has also made generous contributions to the Agency’s appeals, including US$ 6,531,257 to the Nahr el-Bared camp emergency (Flash Appeal and Emergency Appeal), and US$ 450,000 towards the Camp Improvement Initiative in 2007.

-ENDS-

Not an official document

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