Significant Initiative to Support Education in Jerusalem
The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, part of the Al-Quds Committee chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, launched an initiative on Wednesday aimed at distributing over 3,000 school bags and essential school supplies to students from socially vulnerable backgrounds in various neighborhoods of Jerusalem and its surroundings, just ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. This initiative is a part of the broader social and economic program for the educational sector in Jerusalem, aligning with the agency's commitments to enhance educational opportunities as outlined in its integrated program for the period 2027-2030. Financial backing for this initiative comes from the Fes Municipal Council and the Moroccan Association for the Support of Reconstruction in Palestine.
Impact on Local Communities and Students
The distribution process commenced in the village of Nabi Samuel, located northwest of Jerusalem, and subsequently moved to Silwan, south of the Old City, benefiting many students, particularly those associated with the Siraj Al-Quds Association, Al-Bustan Foundation, the Youth Heritage Forum of Jerusalem, the Um Lison Women’s Association in Ras Al-Amoud, and the Charity Association in Wadi Al-Joz. The initiative also extends to several other areas in and around Jerusalem, including Al-Ram, Jaba, Bab Al-Amoud, the Old City, Al-Tur, Bab Al-Sahira, Beit Hanina, the Shuafat and Qalandia camps, Al-Jadida, Bir Nabala, and Al-Eizariya.
This initiative specifically targets students in both higher primary and secondary education, focusing on those from low-income families, orphans, and children of individuals with disabilities, as well as students enrolled in institutions under the Directorate of Education in Jerusalem and its vicinity, particularly those with the highest need. Each school bag includes a set of essential school supplies, such as Arabic and English notebooks, drawing materials, writing instruments, and other necessary items to support students throughout their academic journey.
The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency emphasized that this social and humanitarian initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by needy families in Jerusalem, to support students as they prepare for the new school year, and to reinforce the resilience of these families. Education is recognized as one of the most crucial pillars in preserving the authentic Palestinian identity of the holy city.
Numerous children who benefited from this initiative expressed their joy upon receiving the school supplies. For example, Aliyan Majdi Aliyan Ubaid, a child from Nabi Samuel, shared his happiness regarding the essential supplies he received, expressing excitement about returning to school and extending gratitude to the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency and Morocco for their support. Similarly, nine-year-old Nagham Barakat expressed her delight in receiving her new school bag filled with supplies, thanking Morocco for this generous initiative.
Moreover, Nour Aliyan, a mother of three school-going children, noted that this operation helps reduce the financial expenses families face in preparation for the school year, especially amid the current challenging economic conditions. She expressed her gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people for their continued support.
Nawal Barakat, the president of the Nabi Samuel Women’s Association and a school teacher in the village, highlighted that this initiative provides significant support to children as the school year approaches. She remarked that the distribution of school bags and supplies contributes to boosting the resilience of village residents and brings joy to children and their families. She also thanked the Fes Municipal Council and the Moroccan Association for the Support of Reconstruction in Palestine for their assistance, indicating that the support from the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency enables students to start the academic year under improved conditions.
Haya Sghir, the public relations director of the Um Lison Women’s Association, emphasized that Morocco’s support for the residents of Jerusalem, especially orphans and needy families, is a vital lifeline during these challenging times, adding that providing children with new school bags allows them to start the academic year on equal footing with their peers. Taysir Al-Rajbi, president of the Siraj Al-Quds Association and School, noted that this initiative helps alleviate financial burdens on families, particularly those with multiple children, expressing deep gratitude to the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and the Kingdom of Morocco.
Additionally, Mohamed Al-Awar, director of the Youth Heritage Forum of Jerusalem, pointed out that this operation enables the provision of necessary equipment for students to resume their studies under similar conditions to their peers, which contributes to reducing feelings of need or difference. He expressed his appreciation to the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, the Fes Municipal Council, and the Moroccan Association for the Support of Reconstruction in Palestine for their important contributions.
On July 15th, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency announced in Ramallah the main features of its integrated program to support education and training in Jerusalem for the period 2027-2030. This program includes improving the school environment, expanding scholarship and training programs, supporting student projects through an incubator for startups and digital technologies, in addition to enhancing extracurricular activities and preserving Palestinian identity.
As reported by ar.industries.ma.
