Most of Gaza’s young men and women face the threat of unemployment once they graduate, as there are not many job opportunities! The rate of unemployment in the Gaza strip has reached 63 per cent among youth, (15-29, according to Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics), which constitutes the highest rate in the world, according to the World Bank. Siege, blockades and three wars on the Gaza strip have ruined the Palestinian economy. Accordingly, youth in Gaza have lost potential job opportunities and some have consequently lost hope of ever finding work, ever having small businesses, ever travelling, ever getting married.
In addition to youth-focused projects, we at Islamic Relief Palestine (IRPAL) also believe that we can help youngsters by engaging them in a short-term hands-on experience within our operation.
This report sheds light on a group of young men and women who benefited from one of our youth-oriented empowerment initiatives. Benefiting youth were either previously-sponsored through our One-to-One Orphan Sponsorship Programme, distinguished university graduates or people with disabilities.
