As 46,000 Palestinian Refugee Students Begin New Academic Year

Jerusalem, MINA – This week, as many as 46,000 Palestinian refugee girls and boys began the new school year 2019-2020 in 96 schools managed by the United Nations for Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Students at the Silwan Girls’ School in East Jerusalem are very happy to go to school, not only to see their friends, but also their school, like the others that was renovated during summer holidays with help from Saudi Fund for Development.

“Opening a new school year in Silwan is an important moment for Palestinian refugee community who instead sees little hope on the horizon. UNRWA’s activities function as anchors and provide stability in their lives, “said UNRWA Commissioner General, Pierre Krähenbühl, who joined the students on Thursday, August 29.

“Education lies at the heart of UNRWA’s mandate and the children I meet today are strong reminder that this investment is very important,” Krähenbühl said as quoted by Wafa on Friday, August 30.

Many students, including those who live in the Silwan area often witness clashes and tensions between Palestinians and Israeli security forces as a result of the increasing presence of illegal settlers and settler organizations.

Krähenbühl said that every visit to UNRWA schools in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, people are impressed by the unique commitment of Palestinian refugees to pursue education and knowledge.

He continued that despite facing many difficulties, students show great courage in the pursuit of knowledge.

“Their family are proud and we are humbled by their fortitude. We are also very grateful to the principal, teachers, UNRWA counselors, and many others who worked hard to prepare for the new school year and to ensure that our school would remain open, “he concluded. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)