Innovative deal links corporate social responsibility with vital social service delivery
November 10th, 2009, Ramallah – UNICEF and the Bank of Palestine signed a landmark partnership contract today that will provide conflict-affected children and families in Gaza with support in rebuilding their lives.
Under this agreement Bank of Palestine will provide a minimum contribution of $250,000 to UNICEF in support of family centers. The Bank will donate one US dollar to UNICEF for each purchase made by customers using a Bank of Palestine debit or credit card at over 3,000 points of sale located in merchant outlets throughout the West Bank and Gaza.
“This agreement with Bank of Palestine is more than just about money,” said UNICEF-oPt Special Representative Jean Gough. “It is about partnership in support of fulfilling children’s rights. These innovative partnerships spread the mission of UNICEF with other stakeholders who are not normally engaged in UNICEF’s work. They allow people to become more involved, aware, and able to contribute, financially or otherwise, to fulfilling children’s rights.”
“After the devastating war, our support to children and their caregivers in Gaza is a priority and will help prevent further deterioration in their living conditions,” said Bank of Palestine’s Chairman & General Manager, Mr. Hashim Shawa. “Since its establishment in 1960, the Bank of Palestine has always had an active Corporate Social Responsibility program with a special focus on helping children and orphans in need of care. We are especially proud of our latest partnership with UNICEF in Gaza.” he added.
he partnership will support 20 “family centres” being developed in community-based organisations to meet a wide range of child protection needs in Gaza. Through trained facilitators already operating in Gaza, the centres will provide children and caregivers with psychosocial support; remedial education; child protection services; early childhood health advice; raise awareness of unexploded ordnance and provide opportunities for constructive recreation. Each of the centres will be equipped with all the necessary equipment for such activities, and UNICEF will support continuous training and skills-development for facilitators. Each of the centre will reach over 325children and parents every month.
The Bank of Palestine joins ECHO, the Canada International Development Agency, and the Belgian National Committee for UNICEF, as funding partners for the family centres.
The non-governmental organisations providing services and assistance include: Save the Children Sweden, MAAN development center, TAMER Institute, Palestinian Youth Association for Leadership and Rights Activation, The Palestinian Centre for Democracy and Conflict Resolution and the Community Training Centre and Crisis
Management organisation.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
About Bank of Palestine
Since its founding in 1960, Bank of Palestine has always believed in the continuous modernisation and development of financial services. We are proud of being the first national bank and the most widespread in Palestine. With 39 branches and 850 employees we are dedicated to provide a broad range of banking facilities to our customers at all times. In 2010, Bank of Palestine will celebrate 50 years of establishment and commitment to building the Palestinian economy and supporting up-and -coming talents and capabilities - so that we can always remain a productive and competitive society. Bank of Palestine is considered as one of the leading institutions in terms of commitment to CSR (Corporal Social Responsibility) with a long history of helping the needy, especially orphans and children, and very active programs to support education, healthcare and youth development in Palestine.