Doha, 8 December 2020 – Today, Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Palestine’s Ministry of Education to contribute to Education Above All (EAA) Foundation efforts, aimed at supporting Palestinian refugee students who are enrolled at UNRWA schools in Gaza, the West Bank and Syria.

The beneficiary students face crises and poverty, and were selected based on the socio-economic circumstances of their families, which negatively affects them and their levels of enrolment.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, Director General of the Qatar Fund For Development, and H.E. Dr. Marwan Awartani, Palestinian Minister of Education, in cooperation with EAA. 

H.E. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, Director General of QFFD commented: “We are proud of the work we are doing to help rebuild education systems and provide the necessary support, especially for students in Palestinian refugee camps affected by crises, poverty and disability. The continued deterioration of the socio-economic situation in the Gaza Strip has led to large numbers of displaced and disadvantaged children who do not have access to quality education, shelter or support.” 

His Excellency Al-Kuwari stressed QFFD’s commitment to contribute to positive change in the lives of children and refugees in the Gaza Strip through the launch of these types of projects, and investment in the people of Palestine. He also expressed the Fund's aspirations to strengthen relations with partners, play a greater role in the education sector and inspire children and young people in the Gaza Strip to work towards their development and prosperity.
QFFD will continue to support the people of Palestine in strategic partnership with EAA, not only providing quality education, but also academic and social support programmes that will improve the lives of children in the Gaza Strip.

Education, as the fourth Sustainable Development Goal, is the focus of the majority of programmes that QFFD is keen to support around the world to seek to provide quality, equitable education, and enhance the opportunities for lifelong learning for all. This is in line with the State of Qatar’s values that education is the basis for all human development.

In this context, His Excellency Minister of Education of Palestine, Dr. Marwan Awartani, stressed on the importance of this agreement, as its objectives touch the basic needs of refugee students in Palestinian camps and address the phenomenon of school dropout.

The Minister of Education praised Qatar's support for Palestine at various levels, thanking the Qatari leadership, led by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar Development Fund and Education above All Foundation, for their permanent cooperation to serve Palestinian education, calling this memorandum a step on the road to promoting a sustainable partnership to support education, adding: 'I thank you all on behalf of Palestine and its children'. 

Mr Fahad Al-Sulaiti, CEO of Education Above All Foundation said: “At EAA, we seek to create a brighter future for those currently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other crises such as conflict and poverty. We want to provide a future full of opportunity for Palestine.”
He added: “Providing quality, equitable education to vulnerable and marginalised groups is an empowering factor for human development. Education provides skills that enhance employment opportunities and raise incomes, and it is a key tool for states and societies in socio-economic development.”