3 November 2009
Damascus
UNRWA unveiled a building today in Dera’a that will house a new school for girls. The Ein Karemen Girls School was funded generously by a USD 822,600 donation from the United States government. It, and has well-equipped and spacious classrooms, and specialized specialised rooms for the teaching of science, computing and music teaching..
His Excellency, Mr. Charles F. Hunter, Chargé d’affaires of the United States Embassy in Syria, inaugurated the school and used the opportunity to reiterate the United States’ enduring commitment to Palestine refugees in Syria. He said:, "The U.S. Government is an engaged partner with UNRWA in providing services to Palestine refugees in Syria. This school underscores our commitment to ensuring that Palestine refugee children in Dera’a have a safe and secure space in which to learn and grow."
This generous donation means that UNRWA has moved a step closer to its vision of an education programme that educates young people within a physical environment that is conducive to learning and achievement.
In thanking the United States and UNRWA’s local partners, Mr. Roger Hearn, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Syria, stated:, "This school represents our collective commitment to the education of Palestine refugee youth and to preparing them for the challenges of modern life." He also acknowledged the important role of the Syrian Government, GAPAR and the Dera’a Governorate for their unwavering commitment to UNRWA’s education programme in Dera’a.
Representing His Excellency, Dr. Faisal Miqdad, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Milad 'Attiyeh, Director of International Organizations and Conferences at the Ministry, repeated a call to the international community to offer additional assistance to the Agency to overcome its present financial predicament so that it can continue to fulfill its mandate to serve Palestine refugees until such a time as a just and lasting resolution to the refugee issue.
UNRWA provides education, healthcare, social services, shelter, and micro-credit services to over 450,000 Palestine refugees in Syria.
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