France doubles its contributions to UNRWA to reach EUR 20 m in 2019

21 / 07 / 2019

By Marwa Nassar - -

France is a dedicated partner to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). France has doubles its contributions to UNRWA to stand at EUR 20 m in 2019 due to the critical financial conditions of the international organization.

On July 16, UNRWA and France signed an agreement for a EUR 353,905 contribution to the agency in support of Palestine refugees. This contribution will support the training and professional development of teachers and the instruction of the French language in UNRWA schools.

Specifically, this contribution will allow for the continuation of existing teachers’ development programs. This funding will also help to improve existing training tools Lebanon, Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).

In addition, the contribution will enable for the continuation of the UNRWA “Newly Appointed Teachers” (NAT) Program, launched on October 5, 2018 for the International Teachers’ Day. This program, implemented with support from the French International Centre for Pedagogic Studies (Centre international d’études pédagogiques, CIEP), will provide training for French language instructors in UNRWA schools throughout Lebanon. It will enable teachers to meet the educational requirements of the 21st century by including contemporary pedagogic approaches in the training.

Ambassador of France to Jordan David Bertolotti emphasized that “Given the critical financial situation of UNRWA, France has taken its responsibilities and doubled its contribution to reach EUR 20 million for 2019.” He added, “In a region subject to multiple crises, the role of UNRWA is now more than ever, indispensable, in particular in the field of education. UNRWA schools are an open window to the world and the possibility of a life lived in dignity for hundreds of Palestinian refugee children.”

Expressing his appreciation to the continuous support of France, UNRWA Chief of the Donor Relations Division Marc Lassouaoui said: “The Agency deeply appreciates the steadfast political and financial support that France has provided to UNRWA for years. This new contribution will help UNRWA train its teachers so that quality education continues to be provided in UNRWA schools in the Middle East.” He added, “This project will support UNRWA students across the region and is a reminder that UNRWA is committed to continuing and improving the quality of its services to Palestine refugees with the support of donors such as France.”

This contribution comes at an opportune time, as the Agency continues to face significant challenges to meet its financial requirements through the end of this year. In 2019, UNRWA requires a total of $ 1.2 billion for its operations in the region, including human development and humanitarian aid service delivery.

France has been a dedicated partner to UNRWA, doubling its contribution for fiscal year 2019, reaching a total of EUR 20 million. UNRWA is deeply grateful for the sustained support of France.