German Government supports UNRWA programmes for Palestine refugees in Jordan

On November 9, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and the German Ambassador inaugurated the UNRWA Talbieh Elementary and Preparatory Girls’ School after the completion of reconstruction work on the school structure. The ceremony also marked hand-over of rehabilitated shelters to the most vulnerable families in Talbieh refugee camp.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the German Ambassador Ms. Birgitta Siefker–Eberle, KfW Country Director Mr. Christian Schaub, the Department of Palestinian Affairs, and with the presence of the local community dignitaries and students.

Speaking at the ceremony, the German Ambassador Her Excellency, Ms. Birgitta Siefker–Eberle affirmed on the longstanding partnership with UNRWA, saying: “The Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank has been supporting UNRWA activities in the region over the past 10 years. Up until now the German Government has provided EUR 95 million to the Regional Programme for the Improvement of the Living Conditions of Palestine Refugees in the Camps (REPAC) including Jordan.”

H.E. Siefker–Eberle acknowledged the rising pressure on the Kingdom’s limited resources and commended the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for continuous support of refugees, stating, “The Government of Germany is aware of the continuous challenges and needs of Palestine refugees. Germany will continue supporting UNRWA in Jordan, this includes the provision of primary basic education, shelter rehabilitation and other camp improvement interventions in the official refugee camps.”

Since the project’s commencement in 2012, more than 150 shelters have been rehabilitated or reconstructed, in Huson and Talbieh camps, benefiting about 800 Palestine refugees, in addition to the reconstruction of two schools.

The Director of UNRWA Operations in Jordan, Mr. Roger Davies reiterated the value of this generous grant which has enabled the Agency to enhance its service provision and improve the living conditions of its beneficiaries. “Whilst this year was one of the hardest for UNRWA, key partners like the Government of Germany believed in and supported the fundamental role that the Agency plays in the lives of Palestine refugees. Almost 96 percent of students in Talbieh camp are enrolled in UNRWA schools. This school alone serves just under 1,500 students in a double-shift format.”

The objective of the REPAC programme is to contribute to the improvement of living conditions of the population affected by the continued crisis in and close to Palestine refugee camps in the region through the provision and adequate use of social and economic infrastructure. The program contributes to the enhancement of personal and economic development perspectives for Palestine refugees, providing increased chances for stability, peace, and prosperity in the region. UNRWA, in coordination with the Government of Jordan, implements the programme, which is financed by the German Government through KfW.

Original source: UNRWA
Published on 9 November 2018