Inauguration ceremony of Development and Expansion of Frush Beit Dajan Secondary Mixed School o

The European Union, the French Consulate in Jerusalem, the Agence Française de Développement, and the Palestinian Authority inaugurated today the new building of Furush Beit Dajan Secondary Mixed School located in Area C. The total area of the building is 340 square meters and it will serve more than 160 Palestinian pupils.

The Agence Française de Développement provided €350,000 for the construction and furnishing of the school development and expansion. This building will improve conditions of the children of Furush Beit Dajan and nearby communities to access primary and secondary education, from first to twelve grade.  The contribution was channelled through the European Union Area C Development Programme in the West Bank.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Minister of Local Government, the Deputy Nablus Governorate Governor, representatives of the Ministry of Education, the European Union Representative, the AFD representative and the Acting Director General of the Municipal Lending and Development Fund and representatives of the local community and nearby villages.

"Education is at the heart of our global struggle to alleviate poverty and reduce inequality. It is a basic human right that must be protected and promoted in each and every place around the world. In Palestine access to quality education is a huge challenge, and particularly in Area C where Palestinian children not only lack proper facilities but also face many hurdles in going to their schools. Therefore we are proud to inaugurate this new school here today. Through such projects we - together with EU Member States - renew our concrete and unwavering commitment towards Palestinians who live in this area and who want to build a better future for their children. We also repeat our call on the Israeli authorities, as the occupying power, to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, with a view to ensuring the welfare of the Palestinian population under their control'', said the EU Representative Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff.

Your hard work represents a tremendous step towards the improvement of public services for the benefit of the population in the Jordan Valley, under a very challenging context in Area C. I am proud to say that this project will bring a positive impact for the young generations of Furush Beit Dajan and will benefit 160 students. This achievement underlines the renewed commitment of France in Palestine and reinforces the strong partnership between France, the Palestinian Authority, the European Union and local authorities”, said the AFD Representative Catherine Bonnaud.

This newly inaugurated school building is part of the EU and Member States support to developmental interventions in Area C. All EU activity in the West Bank is fully in line with international humanitarian law. The EU provides humanitarian assistance to communities in need in Area C in accordance with the humanitarian imperative. The EU also works with the Palestinian Authority to develop Area C and support Palestinian communities.  This includes projects promoting economic development and improving the quality of life of Palestinian communities in the areas of private sector development, environment and agriculture.