AMMAN — At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, Nancy Izzo Jackson, the
US State Department Senior Bureau Official (SBO) for Population, Refugees, and Migration, inaugurated the
UNRWA Zuhour School in Amman, according to an UNRWA press statement.
اضافة اعلان
The school’s construction, overseen by UNRWA, was financed by contributions from the
US government and made possible by a land grant from the Jordanian government.
Jackson and UNRWA Commissioner-General
Philippe Lazzarini gave public statements along with the officer-in-charge of UNRWA Affairs in Jordan, Olaf Becker.
Through this project, the US provided $3.8 million to support the construction of a new green school building in Zohour to replace four rented schools serving more than 2,100 students. The schools being replaced were double shifted, crowded, and had structural damage that presented a serious risk to the safety of UNRWA students and staff, according to the statement.
In addition to savings from rent and green features such as LED lights, rainwater harvesting, and water efficient taps, the new school building is projected to save UNRWA more than $500,000 annually in reduced expenditures. It also includes libraries, computer and science labs, space for students to play, and facilities designed to meet the needs of students and community members with disabilities.
“The US values UNRWA’s critical role in serving the humanitarian and human development needs of millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East through high-quality and cost-effective services. Whether providing education and health care, providing food and emergency assistance for those affected by conflict, or addressing the protection needs of Palestinians,” SBO Jackson said at the inauguration of the UNRWA Zuhour School.
For his part, Lazzarini said that “giving young girls and boys who are eager to learn the tools to grow and question the world around them is the best investment in in human beings, future citizens and in entire communities,” and voiced his appreciation of the US’ support for UNRWA.
Director of Camp Services Osama Alkam affirmed the importance of the US’s role in sustaining the operations of the agency, noting that is has “become a lifeline for millions” especially in dealing with impact of COVID-19.
Jackson is the head of the US delegation to UNRWA’s Advisory Committee meeting, at which she will reaffirm the US’ partnership with Jordan in support of refugees and vulnerable host community members in the Kingdom, the statement said.
Read more National news
.jpg)
.jpg)
