UNRWA inaugurates new school in Dera’a refugee camp

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) inaugurated the newly reconstructed UNRWA Al-Safsaf School in Dera’a refugee camp, southern Syria. Celebrations included a recognition ceremony for Tawjihi high achievers.

Completely destroyed by conflict in 2012, the school was rebuilt and equipped with a generous contribution from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).

The newly constructed two story-building is now equipped with 10 classrooms, an administration and teachers’ rooms, as well as two storage rooms. The school now provides a safe school environment for some 750 Palestine refugee students.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Syria, Mr. Amanya Michael-Ebye said, “This new school provides better access to quality education and learning opportunities for Palestine refugee children in the camp. The inauguration of this school reaffirms the Agency’s commitment to provide quality education to Palestine refugee children. It stands as a beacon to everybody that education of Palestine refugee children is a priority for UNRWA. It is very special moving and significant that we are able to help Palestine refugee students and their families stabilize their shattered lives by providing a safe learning environment.”

During the conflict the students attended classes in apartments provided by GAPAR and the local community members. This ensured that students were provided with an uninterrupted schooling schedule, despite their challenging surrounding environment.

Original source: UNRWA
Published on 12 February 2020