UNICEF and Finland support children with inclusive education in the State of Palestine

RAMALLAH , 2 December 2024 -Today, The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Government of Finland signed a new agreement to strengthen the national education system in Palestine, with a commitment to foster safe, equitable and inclusive quality education for all children through the Education Quality and Inclusive Programme (EQUIP).

The agreement was signed by UNICEF Special Representative to the State of Palestine, Ms. Jean Gough and Ms. Tarja Kangaskorte representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland in the office of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education of Palestine, Dr. Amjad Barham

With a value of 3.4 million EUR, this three-year initiative will support the most vulnerable children, including children with disabilities, in the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, ensuring access to safe, equitable and quality education activities. It will also support the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) in updating and operationalizing the inclusive education policy in partnership with Finnish education institutions. 

“With the support of the Government of Finland for this important initiative, UNICEF will be able to go a step further in contributing to children wellbeing through important activities in areas which have been severely impacted by the conflict” said Ms. Gough, UNICEF Special Representative in the State of Palestine.

“Finland is a long-term partner in the education sector in Palestine and we remain committed to support the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, alongside partners like UNICEF, to reach the most vulnerable Palestinian children and provide equitable access to quality education. We are pleased with this new partnership which will positively impact children, teachers, and families,” said Tarja Kangaskorte, Ambassador of the Representative Office of Finland in Ramallah.

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Note to editors:

• In the West Bank, this initiative will be implemented at schools in collaboration with the civil society organizations.
• In the Gaza Strip, UNICEF will adopt its same ongoing strategy of working through relevant implementing partners.
• The programme will be steered jointly by the Palestine Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Representative Office of Finland in Ramallah and UNICEF. .
• Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality), EQUIP embodies Finland’s global leadership in inclusive education.