The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) today approved a grant of US$3,000,000, under the umbrella of the Special Grant Account for Palestine in support of social development projects and services that are provided to the poorest and hardest hit Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
The crisis in Palestine has had a devastating effect on the economy and poverty levels. Despite the recent withdrawal of the occupation authorities from the Gaza Strip, the prevailing social and economic conditions in Palestine are not stabilized and conditions are not likely to improve very soon. These conditions have resulted in higher unemployment levels, loss of income, disruptions in domestic production and reduced domestic consumption.
In cooperation with the Arab Fund, AGFUND and Welfare Association, the OPEC Fund has selected 20 civil society organizations and projects that offer services with the ultimate goal of reduction of economic deprivation of Palestinians.
These organizations are among the national NGO's that are shouldering under strained conditions a substantial share of responsibility of the collapsing Palestinian society. Their need of financial support to continue serving the affected communities is urgent. They each provide a specialized service in education, health, rehabilitation and agriculture.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Beneficiary countries: The West Bank – Palestine
Project title: Reduction of Deprivation in Palestine
Phase I: The West Bank
Proposed grant: US$3,000,000
Proposed grant allocations: (Amounts in US$)
Organization |
Sector
|
Budget
|
OPEC Fund contribution
|
|
1)
|
Union of Health Care Communities (UHCC) - Nablus |
Health
|
674,000
|
200,000
|
2)
|
Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Right Center - Ramallah |
Social
|
270,000
|
100,000
|
3)
|
HOPE –The Orthodox National Charitable Society - Bethlehem |
Social
|
120,000
|
50,000
|
4)
|
Friends School of Ramallah |
Education
|
882,000
|
200,000
|
5)
|
Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) - Jerusalem |
Education
|
350,000
|
100,000
|
6)
|
Women's Association for Child Care – Beit Jala |
Social
|
306,000
|
100,000
|
7)
|
The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM) - Jerusalem |
Education
|
429,100
|
150,000
|
8)
|
AGFUND - Skills Training for Marginalized Youth in the West Bank |
Education
|
460,000
|
100,000
|
9)
|
AGFUND - National Homework Centers – West Bank |
Education
|
485,000
|
100,000
|
10)
|
AGFUND - Women Empowerment in underserved areas – West Bank |
Education
|
425,000
|
100,000
|
11)
|
The Palestinian Agriculture Relief Committees (PARC) - Jerusalem |
Agriculture
|
1,072,000
|
200,000
|
12)
|
Dar Al-Tifel Al-Arabi (D.T.A.) Institute - Jerusalem |
Education
|
445,000
|
150,000
|
13)
|
Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) - Jerusalem |
Education
|
561,000
|
200,000
|
14)
|
Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU) - Jerusalem |
Agriculture
|
250,000
|
100,000
|
15)
|
The Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation |
Health
|
1,200,000
|
250,000
|
16)
|
Yabous Productions - Jerusalem |
Social
|
660,000
|
200,000
|
17)
|
Rural Women's Development Society (RWDA) Jerusalem |
Agriculture
|
265,000
|
100,000
|
18)
|
The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre for Disabled Children (JCDC) |
Health
|
380,000
|
200,000
|
19)
|
Palestinian Economic Policy Research (MAS) - Jerusalem |
Education
|
618,000
|
200,000
|
20)
|
World Links Arab Region (WLAR) – West Bank |
Education
|
762,000
|
200,000
|
TOTAL 3,000,000
|
Grant administrator: The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development
Period of implementation: variable