The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for the Palestine refugees in the near east inaugurated the UNRWA Gaza Preparatory Girls’ School A & B in Gaza on Thursday. Jochen Flasbarth, the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) led the German delegation which was welcomed by Thomas White, the director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza.

The Gaza Preparatory Girls’ A & B School was launched and developed under the Regional Programme for the Improvement of Living Conditions of Palestine Refugee Camps (REPAC). KfW the renowned banking company based in Frankfurt, Germany, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, offered a financial contribution of EUR 5 million in support of this program.

The school’s design and construction implement Child-Friendly Schools (CFS) standards and guidelines, enabling 3,000 Palestine refugee girls to learn and enjoy an enhanced, modern, and safe learning environment. The school compound includes shaded areas, improved ventilation in 42 renovated, wider classrooms, which have been colorfully painted, sun-breaking elements, as well as thermal and sound insulation.

Additionally, the school’s roof features a playground and a green area. The well-planned library comprises a theater where students can perform and play. This generous contribution also supported the improvement of the school’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities. The initiative has also enabled the installation of solar panels for sustainable energy. The school facilities can function as a DES – Designated Emergency Shelter generally developed in emergency situations for adapting to the Gaza region.

The Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza, Thomas White, said, “Germany is one of UNRWA’s most reliable and long-standing partners, especially in Gaza, where the majority of German funds are invested. German support has enabled UNRWA to continue to provide high-quality education to about 290,000 students.”