Rome: Jasour – News Desk
The UNRWA has announced the receipt of a donation worth one million euros from the Italian government for a project extending over 12 months. This initiative aims to enhance the social integration of the most vulnerable Palestinian refugees in Lebanon by improving inclusive education services and supporting individuals with special needs.
The project will strengthen inclusive education services by supporting children with special educational needs and special needs within UNRWA schools. It will also improve access to both organized and unorganized psychosocial activities. Additionally, the project will support individuals with special needs by providing mobility devices and facilitating their access to therapeutic services. Furthermore, it will offer personalized support to children with special needs enrolled in specialized institutions, thereby enhancing their external support systems.
Dorothy Klaus, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon, expressed her gratitude for this donation, stating: “UNRWA remains firmly committed to creating an inclusive educational environment that highlights the unique learning patterns of each student. We aim to overcome the barriers that hinder the full participation of children with special needs in our schools. Thanks to this generous support from the Italian government, we will significantly enhance our capacity to identify and assist children with special needs, providing essential resources for both them and our teachers to foster a truly inclusive educational environment.”
This project is particularly vital given the escalating violence in Lebanon, which has exacerbated the existing challenges faced by the Palestinian refugee community in the country, as vulnerabilities and needs often increase among children during and after disasters and conflicts. Many children in Lebanon, whether they have special needs or not, are facing changes in family dynamics amid the escalation. For children with special needs, access to essential devices, including mobility aids, along with specifically designed psychosocial support, can significantly enhance their well-being.
Ms. Klaus added: “By addressing their unique needs, the project contributes to enhancing psychosocial resilience, providing a more stable family and community life, and improving the dignity and independence of children in displacement settings. This support is not only crucial for their current situation but also lays the foundation for a more hopeful future.”
For his part, the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Fabrizio Marcelli, stated: “As the humanitarian situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, education and protection remain key pillars for the future of the most vulnerable children. While we call for an immediate ceasefire, we are also working to increase humanitarian assistance to civilians. This contribution provided to UNRWA, a long-standing partner in ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and inclusive environment, is part of a larger package of 28 million euros allocated by Italy to address the most urgent needs in Lebanon.”
Alessandra Bermati, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Beirut, added: “This donation will support the social integration and protection of at-risk children, ensuring that more than 12,000 Palestinian refugee children, including those with special needs, receive a quality, inclusive, and equitable education while enhancing their social integration and participation in community life.”
Italy has long been one of the most reliable donors to UNRWA. In 2023, Italy’s total donations to UNRWA reached 1.46 million euros. Continuous Italian support is particularly significant given the dire conditions faced by Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
