ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Farmers in Gaza Receive Support:  In support of early recovery of agricultural livelihoods in Gaza, the Expanded and Sustained Access to Financial Services (ESAF) program provided a total of 35 tons of fodder to 53 sheep farmers in Gaza to help them with the upkeep of the animals.  The program also provided training to 75 greenhouse farmers in marketing their produce and efficient farm management.

HEALTH AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

• Holy Family Hospital Receives Early Diagnosis System to Reduce Infant Mortality: Through USAID’s support, two transcutaneous bilirubinometers systems were installed at the Holy Family Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to provide early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal health problems, bringing down infant mortality rates.

WATER RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

• New Reservoirs Relive Water Shortages in the Northern West Bank: USAID through its Infrastructure Needs program constructed two water reservoirs for the villages of Al Lubban Al Sharqiyya and Zeita, in the Nablus and Tulkarem Governorates respectively.  The $1.4 million reservoirs will relieve water shortage in the Northern West Bank for 5,000 people who will now enjoy a continuous access to potable water.

  New and Renovated Schools Improve Educational Conditions in Five Governorates:  USAID’s Emergency Jobs Program constructed two new schools and renovated 13 others across five West Bank governorates. USAID’s $2.2 million investment constructed or added new classrooms and science and computer labs, reducing overcrowding and improving school safety. The projects created employment for 706 Palestinians.  The new and rehabilitated facilities benefit 5,320 students and staff members.

DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE

• Reaching out to Youth in Gaza through Good Governance Activities: The Local Democratic Reform (LDR) program launched its good governance-focused youth programs in Gaza. Working through local civil society organizations, LDR held the first training course for 60 Gazan youth on topics of rule of law and human rights. In addition, trainings were held on subjects that ranged from leadership skills to conflict resolution.  The program aims to foster youth talent and enhance their leadership abilities.

• New Boys School in At Tayba Village Accommodates Growing Student Population: As part of USAID’s support of the Jenin Governorate, particularly areas that have been affected by the separation wall, USAID’s Civic Engagement Program (CEP) supported the At Tayba Village Council in Northern Jenin by constructing a new boys’ school to provide adequate space for the growing student population in the village. The project provided eight classrooms, teachers’ room, conference room, and a sanitary unit, accommodating approximately 2,000 beneficiaries.