Kuwait Donates $1 Million to ANERA for Work with Gaza Children

December 13, 2012 | Washington, DC – ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid) is pleased to announce a donation of $1 million from the government of Kuwait to fund ANERA’s work with children in Gaza. 

Kuwait's ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah presented the donation to ANERA Board Chair Ambassador Edward Gnehm. "Kuwait has always been a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian people and at the forefront of humanitarian efforts,” said Ambassador Al-Sabah. “And, especially at this time of crisis, Kuwait is most concerned about the welfare of young children in Gaza. My government is touched by all that ANERA is doing in Gaza and wants to continue to support the programs."

The donation will help fund health care and education projects aimed at preschoolers to help improve their chances for a better life. Economists recognize that investing in young children is one of the most important investments a society can make.

“This generous gift strengthens ANERA’s capacity to care for young Palestinian children who are the building block for the next generation of Palestinian entrepreneurs, educators and political leaders,” explained Gnehm, a veteran diplomat and former U.S. ambassador to Kuwait.

This is the third of Kuwait’s continuous contributions for work in Gaza. Earlier $1 million gifts helped ANERA operate its Milk for Preschoolers program, expand early childhood development projects and renovate more than 40 preschools in Gaza to create a safe learning environment where children can learn and express their creativity

For more than 44 years, ANERA has been a leading provider of development, health, education and employment programs to Palestinian communities and impoverished families throughout the Middle East. In FY 2011, the relief and development agency delivered more than $65 million of programs to the people of the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon and Jordan.