Palestine: Linking refugees and young population in Gaza to market opportunities

Resumen

After more than ten years of blockade of the Gaza Strip, about 40% of the population lives in poverty; a total of 1.1 out of 1.7 million people living in Gaza receive food assistance, and rely on services of UNRWA. The economic and poverty situation calls for an immediate action. Through its theory of change the project aims at unlocking the potential of refugees, youth, local communities and SMEs in the Gaza Strip to foster livelihoods, and improve economic conditions of beneficiaries thus contributing to social stability. It will do so by focusing on reducing barriers to entrepreneurship, supporting employment and improving employability of women and youth  including refugees and the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The project focuses on internet-enabled employment in ICT, as investing in this sector is a way to boost the Gazan economy considering the complicated political context, the de facto lack of Gazan control over the borders, and the siege (outsourcing). By contributing to inclusive growth, the project can have a positive spill over effect in terms of fostering peace and stability. The project is designed to bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and development assistance on the ground.