USAID partners with UNRWA in $1.7M project to expand girls’ school in Area C — USAID press release

U.S. Funds Expansion of Educational Opportunities for Area C Communities

Jalazone, Ramallah – The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Bureau, Mara Rudman visited the Jalazone Girls’ School together with the West Bank Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Felipe Sanchez. UNRWA is currently expanding the facilities to provide a more conducive learning environment for the approximately 1,000 girls who attend the school.

The $1.7 million construction project is being funded by the United States Government as part of its efforts to improve access to services and increase opportunities for Palestinians living in Area C. The construction project will expand the school by adding 23 new classrooms, science labs, vocational training rooms, and all of the facilities necessary for students to be able to learn in a modern educational facility.

During the visit, Ms. Rudman announced that, in addition to funding the expansion of the school, the American people will provide funding to construct a pedestrian bridge over the busy Route 60 which runs between Jalazone’s Boys’ and Girls’ schools. Ms. Rudman also announced that the United States would provide funding for major rehabilitation of the Az Zeer School for Boys in Harmala, Bethlehem as part of a wider U.S. initiative to support schools and health clinics in Area C.

Ms. Rudman noted that the U.S. Government has provided funding for the construction and rehabilitation of 10 other schools and health clinics in Area C communities during the past year. Ms. Rudman praised the cooperation with UNRWA and said the United States “…will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority and Government of Israel to identify and implement projects in Area C to address the basic needs and improve the lives of Palestinians.”

Since 1994, the United States has provided more than $3.5 billion in economic and development assistance to Palestinians living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, making the United States the leading bilateral donor to Palestinians. The U.S. Agency for International Development coordinates closely with the Palestinian Authority to support its institution building and reform plan including projects designed to reduce poverty, improve health and education, implement infrastructure and water projects, create jobs, and promote democracy and good governance.