NGO #14652

About UFA The socio-economic situation in Gaza Strip is characterized by high population density and growth (reaches 3.4%), high unemployment rate (65%) and almost 90% of the population is living below the poverty line. The Israeli blockages, economic sanctions and the aggressions have deep impacts on the families in Gaza, particularly on the children, and precisely on the educational level. The last Israeli offensive on Gaza Strip has resulted in killing 1285 persons of which 111 women representing 8.6% and wounding 4336 persons of which 735 women indicating 17% (Palestinian Centre for human rights). In addition, 5000 homes were completely destroyed and 25,000 homes were damaged leaving thousands of families without shelter. There is an urgent need for concern at the deteriorating humanitarian and educational situation within the Gaza Strip, and its impact on families in Gaza, both directly and indirectly. The burden on children due to horrors of the Israeli offensive on Gaza has increased. Women and children suffer as a result of loss, injury, or imprisonment of one or more members of the family. In some cases women and sometimes children suddenly have become financially responsible for the remaining family, so children leave their schools to work, or they work and study, and their work affects their educational performance. Those women and children face multiple psychological problems and educational challenges, while experiencing fears and emerging psychological issues. There are indications of more children who need support to continue their education. Unlimited Friends Association (UFA) is a charity association that was established in 2000 in the middle area of Gaza, by sincere and hardworking volunteers, who seek to promote and serve the Palestinian society. It is a national, non-governmental association, which seeks to provide basic services for a variety of target group and categories in the community, throughout the helping the marginalized and poor families, especially the orphans. Furthermore, it also promotes and empowers those with special needs, and integrates them into the society and into different life fields. We have already implemented various projects, most of which were relief related type, such as distributing basic needs of food, distributing medical equipment, distributing clothes for poor students; however, we look forward to get involved in developmental projects that will include sustainability, and will benefit the people on the short term and on the long term. Thus, our areas of focus; relief and emergency, women and child empowerment, education, people with special needs.