Germany and UNDP inaugurate a cafeteria and promenade at Birzeit University – UNDP press release

PRESS RELEASE

The Government of Germany and UNDP Inaugurate a Cafeteria and

Promenade at Birzeit University

Jerusalem, February 28, 2007 – Mr. Joerg Ranau, German Representative to the PA, Mr. Mattias Schlund, Director of KfW, Dr. Nabil Kassis, President of Birzeit University, and Mr. Jens Toyberg Frandzen, UNDP special Representative, have joined hands to mark the completion of Birzeit university’s cafeteria and promenade on Wednesday, February 28, at 13:00 pm.

The project, worth €100,000 and generating approximately 2000 work days, is part of the third phase of the Employment Generation Programme, funded by the Government of Germany through its development Bank, Kfw. The project activities included the construction of a 3500 square meters promenade and a cafeteria seating 90 customers and catering to over 2000 students and faculty members on weekly basis.

Addressing educators and officials at the ceremony, Dr. Kassis stated “It is very encouraging to see the students around us. We must never forget that they are our future and deserve to be given the best possible opportunities. With the generous support from the Government of Germany, we have been able to make a modest but real contribution to a better future for these students and future generations to come.”

Echoing Dr. Kassis’ sentiments, Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen said “this project is a true reflection of our commitment to a real partnership for better future. The construction of the cafeteria and promenade is a unique project in itself because of the added revenue generating element to it.

This maybe a small project but an important one for the students and faculty” he added.

“It is an honor to be here in this prestigious university” stated Mr. Ranau. “The Government of Germany is providing support to the Palestinians in many fields. We are glad to be part of the process of education the people who will be the backbone of the Palestinian society”.

During this EGP programme, a 16 million Euro grant funded some 161 projects throughout the West Bank, generating to date an estimated 150,000 working days. In total, the Government of Germany and Kfw have funded, through UNDP, 445 projects through 5 phases of the EGP programme, generating over 600,000 workdays.

For further information, please contact:

German Representative Office: Alexander Eberl, Press Officer Tel: 02-2984788, Fax: 02-2984786 Mobile: 0577206891, alexander.eberl@diplo.de

UNDP/PAPP: Dania Darwish, Communications Officer, Tel: 02-6268229, Fax: 02-6268222, Mobile: 054-8173936, dania.darwish@undp.org

4A Yakubi St., Jerusalem, 91191, P.O. Box: 51359 Tel: (972 2) 626 8200 Fax: (972 2) 626 8222 www. undp.ps