Twenty UNRWA schools participate in the 2013 Technology Innovation Competition Fair – UNRWA article

UNRWA Technology Innovation Competition Fair 2013

23 May 2013
West Bank

Arabic text: http://www.unrwa.org/atemplate.php?id=1301 

"I am so happy! It is exciting to have achieved so much, and be appreciated for my innovation and creativity”, said Rawan Basilah from the UNRWA Hebron Basic Girls’ School. Rawan is one of 35 students who presented their projects at UNRWA’s exhibition for technological innovation at the Kalandia Training Centre in the West Bank.

Encouraging innovation

Organized in cooperation with Ibtakir Company and with the support of the Partners in Sustainable Development, the project was launched in 2010, as part of the Agency’s efforts to improve the quality of its educational work in the West Bank.

Rawan received the first prize in the competition for her “smart door” project that secures houses by integrating advanced security systems with camera and motion sensors.

“In addition to a new experience, this competition has given me the opportunity to learn the secrets of technology by learning more about how machines used at home and at work places,” said Shrouq Hamad, a Palestine refugee student from Kalandia refugee camp near Ramallah city. Shrouq invented a smart washing machine that saves water and reduces electricity consumption.

Partnering for success

“The level of success we expect at UNRWA’s Education Programme cannot be achieved without a strong partnership with the community and local organizations", said the Chief of UNRWA’s Education Programme in the West Bank, Dr. Muhannad Beidas.

In total, 20 UNRWA schools participated in the exhibition that aimed to facilitate the learning of digital technology, as well as encouraging learning and critical thinking.

Students were asked to work in teams and think in innovative ways to create ground-breaking projects. Despite the limited resources, students created extraordinary projects.

Education at UNRWA

UNRWA aims to provide refugee students with appropriate knowledge and skills through universal primary education. The Agency is committed to providing education of a high quality and content in accordance with international standards and good practices. UNRWA organizes regular exhibits and extracurricular events to supplement the work done by students in the classroom as an added incentive to students to do well in school.