Program Overview
It is not only in the interest of the United States but of all nations to fully support the creation of a viable, democratic Palestinian State living in peace and security with Israel and its neighbors. One way in which USAID acts on this priority is through the $60.5 million Civic Engagement Program (CEP). The project started in June 2005 and is carried out by ARD, Inc.
The program awards dozens of flexible grants, ranging from $10,000 to $750,000, that focus on visibly improving the quality of life for Palestinians. CEP complements other USAID activities and targets critical, time-sensitive initiatives. In addition, the program is the Mission’s main mechanism for rapidly responding to humanitarian needs throughout the West Bank and Gaza.
More specifically, CEP is USAID’s most responsive means to act on opportunities that may help bolster the prospects for peace in the region. Grant activities may include, but are not limited to:
• small-scale reconstruction or rehabilitation projects, such as schools, sports facilities, and public parks
• humanitarian response, such as food and relief supplies for families suffering in Gaza
• youth and civic engagement in social and economic activities, such as employment generation and recreational programs
• capacity development for ministries and other PA institutions, service delivery organizations, and community groups
Goals
• Increase confidence in the peace process through localized improvements
• Strengthen key civil society institutions and democratic leadership
• Improve the quality of life for Palestinians
Successes
• 107 grants have been awarded through CEP across 155 localities throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip. 130,807 Palestinians have benefitted from these activities.
• The CEP program is continuing to procure and deliver urgently needed food and non-food supplies to disadvantaged families in the Gaza Strip.
• CEP directly works with 10 Ministries; including the Ministry of Justice, Interior, Transportation, Information, Youth and Sport, Tourism and Antiquities, Women Affairs, and the Ministry of Social Affairs.
• CEP engages moderate voices in the West Bank and Gaza to further the prospect for peaceful political solutions. For example, CEP supported the Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution in creating six fora in which 150 moderate leaders, academics and youth across Gaza partook. The events focused on dealing with the impact of political developments on participants’ efforts towards good governance.
• Project grants also aim to improve the daily living conditions of Palestinians. CEP worked with the Deir Ghazala Village Council to renovate its community hall and build a large public park, bolstering the Council’s ability to bring about positive change. Similarly, CEP supported Deir Istya Municipal Council’s efforts to rehabilitate the historic old city center after more than a year of stalled work due to changes in the political environment. This activity played a critical role in improving the quality of life for local residents.
• To date, CEP has worked with 71 government and 91 non-government bodies including 13 international non-government bodies throughout the West Bank and Gaza.
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