Dubai: More than 3,400 pre-schoolers will benefit from the $1 million (Dh 3.6 million) grant by UAE-based philanthropic organisation Dubai Cares to American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) in support of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector in Occupied East Jerusalem, Gaza and West Bank.
Only 30 per cent of pre-schoolers in these areas have access to kindergarten and many of the current school facilities do not meet international standards. The non-profit organisation ANERA has been a leading provider of development, health, education and employment programmes in the Occupied Territories for nearly 45 years.
Dubai Cares will support a two-year programme for pre-schools.
In a media statement Tareq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares said, “The two-year programme will have an impact on conflict and highly-marginalised areas that are in dire need of our programme intervention.”
He said that effective primary education is crucial, and that investment in pre-schools will ensure greater success in primary education and beyond.
Bill Corcoran, ANERA President added, “We are honoured by Dubai Cares’ trust in ANERA. We believe that investing in early childhood development is possibly the most significant investment a society can make.”
The ECD programme will renovate and equip 25 and provide training and in-service diplomas for 125 teachers. It also aims to raise awareness among parents and caregivers about positive parenting techniques.
