UNRWA organises roundtable discussions with 40 diplomats

AMMAN — The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has organised a roundtable discussion and a camp field visit for the diplomatic missions in Jordan, as part of its continued partnership and communication efforts with the donor community, a statement from the UN agency said. 

Over 40 diplomats, representing some 25 embassies and foreign delegations to Jordan, were brought together with UNRWA students from Palestinian refugee camps across Jordan, who showcased their achievements and discussed the challenges they face in the area of education. 

Held at the UNRWA Wadi Seer Training Centre, the roundtable discussion saw UNRWA Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme students engage with the diplomats on issues including educational life, their aspirations, future plans and the challenges facing them, the statement said. 

The students discussed the various courses and learning paths offered by the agency’s TVET programme in Jordan, through the Amman and Wadi Seer Vocational and Training centres, which provide practical training to young Palestinian refugees, equipping them with skills relevant to the labour markets in the region. 

Students from the Wadi Seer Training Centre’s culinary training programme prepared a breakfast menu for the participants.

The one-day event included a field visit to the Qusour Preparatory Girls School, a rented school building,  where the diplomats witnessed the challenges of delivering educational services in buildings that were not constructed to serve such purpose. These included severe overcrowding, poor lighting and ventilation and lack of additional facilities such as science and computer labs, libraries and proper playgrounds, according to the statement.

The diplomats then visited the Marka Preparatory Girls School where they met the school Parliament’s members. The student parliamentarians showcased their debating skills and achievements in promoting human rights. They also presented some of the volunteering and community service initiatives they have been engaged in.

The diplomats were briefed about UNRWA health, relief and social services at their final stop at Marka Health Centre. The centre, which serves over 61,000 refugees, was recently expanded and renovated. On average, each of the doctors working at the centre provides just over 60 consultations per day.

 On behalf of UNRWA and Palestinian refugees, the Director of UNRWA Operations in Jordan Roger Davies expressed gratitude to the international community and the agency’s donors for their continued support. 

“The high rate of participation by diplomats in today’s roundtable discussion and field visits is a clear sign of the continued support by the international community and our partners and of their commitment to the agency’s mandate,” Davies said, adding “UNRWA is committed to providing better, more accessible services for Palestinian refugees in Jordan and to continue to support their human development.”