Bank of Palestine Group and Taawon Launch Strategic Partnership to Support 20,000 Orphans in Gaza
Bank of Palestine Group and Taawon Foundation have launched a strategic partnership with an annual contribution of US$2 million toward formulating a sustainable program for supporting orphans of the war in Gaza. The proposed program targets 20,000 children orphaned due to the continuing war. This program will be operated by Taawon and shall start after the end of war, depending on a detailed needs survey.
The program will provide holistic care through humanitarian assistance in health, education, social protection, and psychological support to enable the orphan children to lead decent lives, actively contributing to their families and communities. Bank of Palestine will play the role of financial contributor, while Taawon will be in charge of designing, developing, and implementing the program to cover all needs of orphans according to their age groups.
This agreement was sealed with the signing of the two parties by Hashim Shawa, Chairman of Bank of Palestine Group, and Dr. Nabil Hani Qaddoumi, Chairman of Taawon Foundation. As a result, Bank of Palestine will contribute $2 million each year, backed by the Arab Islamic Bank, while Taawon will contribute $9 million during the duration of the program.
Shawa made it clear that this partnership would address a humanitarian priority, continuing relief efforts in the enclave. He noted that the importance of the program is underlined by the growing number of orphans due to the ongoing war and said the group bears an ethical responsibility for immediate support.
Dr. Qaddoumi said he is proud of the partnership because it aligns with the long-term efforts of both organizations in serving the community in Gaza. He has reiterated, "More than just providing for the needs of orphans, this initiative is to create an active, self-sufficient generation that contributes to society.".
During the past 15 years, Taawon has supported more than 4,261 orphans in Gaza with comprehensive services in education and healthcare. Preliminary estimates put the number of children in Gaza who have lost either one or both parents to the war at over 20,000 children, hence a very important partnership for covering their needs.