DEAR Foundation contribution Madaa

Project completed

Switzerland, through Dear Foundation active in the oPt, will contribute to the provision of educational, cultural and psychosocial services for children, women and youth in the most sensitive neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem. A particular focus is given on reducing vulnerability and creating opportunities for jobs and income generation. Enhancing protection framework and strengthening the resilience of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem are in line with Swiss Cooperation Strategy for the oPt (2015-2019).

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Human rights
Conflict & fragility
Human rights (incl. Women's rights)
Conflict prevention
15.07.2019 - 31.12.2022
CHF  750’000
Background

With over five decades of Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, the city stands in almost complete separation from the rest of the West Bank, disrupting the social, economic and cultural infrastructure of the entire area. Although Israel, as occupying power, is responsible to ensure the welfare of the Palestinian people living in the city, only limited services are being provided by the State and the Municipality.

The lack of access and control over land use combined with low government expenditure on public services, resulted in  poor public spaces such as playgrounds or extra scholar educational or recreational centres.

As a result, Palestinian children and women in East Jerusalem suffer from frustration, despair, lack of economic and job opportunities which also affect social and family relations with an increase of domestic violence.

Hence, community based organizations (CBOs) remain the main source for protection services and resilience of the Palestinian population of Jerusalem.

Objectives To promote the physical, social, educational and economic wellbeing of the most vulnerable Palestinian population in East Jerusalem with focus on children, women, and people with disabilities and other special needs.
Target groups Palestinian children and women in the poor neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem, mainly in Silwan, Ras Amoud and the Old City of Jerusalem
Medium-term outcomes
  • Beneficiaries are better educated and have more job opportunities
  • Beneficiaries are actively contributing to serve their community’s and personal needs
  • Psycho-social pressure is reduced
  • Attitudes and behaviors that underpin and create violence are changed
  • Madaa has improved its sustainability
Results

Expected results:  

  • Children Summer camps are conducted in at least 3 communities
  • Winter, Spring and Summer games are conducted for youth, women and children in at least 3 communities.
  • Children extracurricular activities are provided in at least 3 communities with classes in Mathematics and languages.
  • A new kindergarten is established in Silwan neighbourhood with a transportation bus.
  • A women shop and Café is established in the old City of Jerusalem
  • A new Sports Gym with its equipment is established in Silwan/Ras Amoud neighbourhoods in addition to further sports activities for youth and children.
  • Vocational training including handicraft for women and youth in at least 3 communities.
  • Psychosocial support activities for youth, women and children such as tours and trips and therapies for persons with special needs.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
  • Other Swiss Non-profit Organisation


Coordination with other projects and actors
  • Synergies and coordination with other SDC partners: in particular with the ones involved in the UNICEF programme “Safeguarding children rights in East Jerusalem” (SDC Humanitarian Aid).
  • Continuous coordination and consultation with Swiss actors in the region and in Switzerland.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    750’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    750’000
Project phases

Phase 1 15.07.2019 - 31.12.2022   (Completed)