Minister of Social Development Inaugurates Solar Energy Project
The Ministry of Social Development announced the completion of the installation of a solar energy system at the Orthodox Arab Charitable Shelter in Al-Eizariya, Jerusalem. The announcement was made during the handover of the solar energy system at the shelter's headquarters in Al-Eizariya this afternoon.
The event was attended by Dr. Samah Hamad, the Minister of Social Development, Dr. Ashraf Al-Aawar, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, Abdullah Siyam, Deputy Governor of Jerusalem, Mr. Iyad Joudeh, representative of the Chairman of the Palestinian Investment Fund, Mr. Alexander Stuytman, EU Ambassador, and several representatives from official and national institutions.
In her speech, the Minister of Social Development expressed her gratitude to the Palestinian Investment Fund and the European Union for their grant, pointing out that the project enhances social development in Jerusalem. She emphasized the importance of coordination between local and international institutions to meet the city's needs and its institutions. She added that such projects reflect the importance of collaboration between all sectors, including the private sector, public sector, charitable work, and international donors, as it reflects a harmony of goals that address the significant needs of these institutions, especially in marginalized or targeted areas such as Jerusalem.
Dr. Ashraf Al-Aawar, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, stressed that the Orthodox Arab Charitable Shelter is one of the Palestinian institutions that we are proud to have, as it provides distinguished services to people with disabilities and the elderly in the province. He affirmed that the continuity of this institution is a collective responsibility, and efforts are being made to strengthen and develop its services.
A representative of the Palestinian Investment Fund emphasized the importance of focusing on projects and institutions in Jerusalem to support their resilience against the occupation's measures, enabling them to continue providing services to various segments of the Jerusalemite community. The Orthodox Arab Charitable Shelter is one of the oldest institutions in Jerusalem, established in 1940, offering significant social services and has withstood all the obstacles and challenges imposed by the occupation. From this standpoint, we are proud to provide this grant, in line with our role in the Fund to support and empower our people in Jerusalem. Mr. Joudeh mentioned that the Fund operates within an integrated system of impact, whether through its investment portfolio aimed at achieving impact on key national economic indicators, or through programs that aim to provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises, or through the Fund's social responsibility program. He added that supporting the Orthodox Arab Charitable Shelter represents a model of this integration, as the Fund previously provided financial support to the shelter for the purchase of washing machines with a capacity of 27 kilograms per machine to accommodate the increasing needs of the shelter, which has contributed to providing better and faster services to residents, especially with the rising number of beneficiaries.
Abdullah Siyam, Deputy Governor of Jerusalem, pointed out that the city is facing an unprecedented attack from various occupation authorities, making strengthening the resilience of Jerusalem's institutions a noble goal. He expressed his pride in the shelter, its management, and staff, and looked forward to providing more support to ensure its continuity and development of its services.
This project is part of the Jerusalem Green Energy and Sustainability Grant Program, which aims to support small and medium-sized projects in the region. The solar energy system has a capacity of 100 kilowatts, which will cover about 74% of the shelter’s electricity needs. It is expected to reduce the electricity bill by approximately 166,000 shekels annually, allowing the shelter to allocate financial resources to other services. The Jerusalem Green Energy and Sustainability Program seeks to provide grants to projects that focus on renewable energy and sustainable environmental practices, and 30 projects have been funded so far.
Minister of Social Development Dr. Samah Hamad also conducted a comprehensive field tour in Jerusalem, visiting several social and educational institutions to enhance cooperation and support services for citizens.
The minister began her tour by visiting the Jerusalem Governorate headquarters in Al-Ram, aiming to strengthen joint coordination between the ministry and the governorate and discuss ways to support Jerusalem’s institutions and provide services that contribute to citizens' resilience amid current challenges.
Dr. Samah Hamad also visited the Dar Al-Aytam Al-Islamia Institution in Al-Eizariya and delivered a speech highlighting the institution's efforts in caring for children and providing shelter and educational services. She confirmed the ministry's commitment to strengthening partnerships with local institutions to use technology to improve services for children.
The minister visited the Arab Institute School, where she met with the teaching staff and students. In her speech, she highlighted the role of education in community building and the need to integrate technology into the educational process. She explained that the ministry provides 18 different services aimed at protecting children's rights until the age of 18, emphasizing the government's commitment to these rights under both local and international laws. The minister urged the students to take advantage of the educational opportunities at the institute and encouraged them to excel in their studies to achieve a better future and contribute to building the Palestinian state. She also reminded them of the difficult situation faced by their peers in Gaza, who are receiving education through electronic means despite harsh conditions.
At the Social Development Directorate headquarters in Abu Dis, Dr. Samah Hamad discussed the ministry's major projects and future plans, emphasizing the importance of using technology in child protection and women's support programs. She highlighted the close cooperation between government and non-governmental sectors to develop integrated services that meet community needs.
Dr. Samah also visited the Orthodox Charitable Shelter and in her speech highlighted the shelter's role in providing care for people with disabilities. In this context, the minister noted that the occupation is withholding clearance funds, leading to delays in reducing arrears for partner associations and institutions that provide services to people with disabilities and orphans. She clarified that since 2014, the ministry has been unable to pay 16 million shekels, but in the last seven months, it has managed to pay around 4 million shekels, with the largest portion directed to institutions in Jerusalem. She also mentioned the importance of investing in these institutions to protect vital areas and their lands, while emphasizing the EU's support for projects that enhance social and economic development.
The Minister of Social Development concluded her tour by visiting the Sakan Al-Zahra institution, where she emphasized the importance of supporting these institutions, which provide vital services to needy families. She reminded that the ministry is working to improve the level of services provided to ensure a decent life. She concluded her speech by advising the students at Sakan Al-Zahra to be diligent and committed, stressing that Palestinian youth are the leaders of the future.
The minister was accompanied on her tour by Undersecretary Taha Al-Irani, Director-General of the Jerusalem Directorate Amer Abu Mqadim, and several other general directors from the ministry.
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