Beirut 27 May 2010

UNRWA, and the Welfare Association, laid the foundation stone of the first of six schools in Nahr el Bared camp, during a ceremony held today in the presence of high ranking officials from the two organizations, and local community members.

In his address during the ceremony, the Director General of the Welfare Association Dr Atallah Kuttab stated “we are gathered today to launch an important development project. We are not only involved in physical reconstruction but also in building the capacities of the Palestinian people through providing a meaningful education. Investing in human beings and furthering the right values and mindsets provides the path for progress.

This contribution will enable UNRWA to provide education to 1150 pupils in a single shift school. A healthier and more productive school environment will be provided, in contrast to the current prefabricated schools where students suffer from cramped conditions, excessive heat in summer and deep cold in winter. The new premises include additional resources such as science laboratories essential for furthering academic potential.

The Director of UNRWA Affairs, Salvatore Lombardo noted “I am immensely grateful to the Welfare Association for granting us the funds to rebuild this school. Education is the cornerstone for progress. We must equip the children with the skills to become active inhabitants of a rebuilt Nahr el-Bared camp and that is why this inauguration today is so important.’