JumpStart International's workers have begun to clear and prepare the site designated for Gaza Polytechnic Institute. 

On the site, which is located in a former Israeli settlement in the southern part of the Gaza Strip near Khan Younis, there are four buildings that were previously used as a school. The buildings have been stripped of everything and are in need of completion.

JumpStart has allocated US $1.5 million to the rehabilitation and construction of the school. Current estimates for the site preparation and rehabilitation of the existing buildings are approximately $500,000.  

JumpStart International continues its work on Gaza Polytechnic Institute.

 JumpStart workers build a wall around the school 

As a two-year technical college, the institute will provide highly advanced technological training in accordance with international standards. Graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue employment in technology related fields and possess the ability to build better lives for themselves and the society they live in.  

Work continues 

The school is located on a former Israeli settlement next to the Municipality of Khan Younis in Southern Gaza. The existing settlement buildings have been looted and badly damaged with portions of the walls and roofs remaining on only four of the structures. JumpStart will restore these buildings while providing employment and training opportunities for the local residents.

Work continues 

JumpStart has partnered with The Community College of Applied Arts and Technology (CCAST) located in Gaza city. CCAST is in desperate need of additional classroom space and suffers from an extreme lack of resources. Upon completion of construction CCAST will be responsible for the daily operations of the school.

Engineering students at CCAST entered into a design competition sponsored by JumpStart for the purpose of designing the exterior wall and entrances into the school. The winner and two runners up were awarded modest financial prizes from JumpStart.

Work is proceeding on the Gaza Polytechnic Institute in Khan Younis. As the winter rains begin to taper off, work is gaining momentum with JumpStart workers beginning the roof renovations and new roof installations on the four existing buildings. Seasonal rains slowed things down a bit, but did not hamper the spirit of JumpStart workers here. Within the next month JumpStart will also begin the plumbing and electrical work, repairing the walls, installing new doors, windows and floors.

Existing Buildings Prior to Renovation Work

JumpStart’s restoration of a portion of this former Israeli settlement is providing employment and training opportunities for local residents, while the completed Polytechnic Institute will provide advanced education and training for students in technology related fields.

Building renovations at the Gaza Polytechnic Institute in Khan Younis are progressing with the roof restorations underway.  

Once the support columns are completed, roof work begins with the casting of the roof beams and base

Concrete blocks arrive and are installed with steel support beams

Concrete is then cast in paneled sections

While the new roof is being cast, the roofs on the remaining buildings are being prepared for new tile work.

The renovations on the four existing buildings have begun at the Gaza Polytechnic Institute in Khan Younis. Following the completion of the new cement roof and support columns on the cafeteria, JumpStart workers are now beginning renovations inside the buildings.

Completion of roof renovation over the cafeteria building

In July, JumpStart completed the renovation of the Gaza Polytechnic Institute. The completed facilities consist of over 2,500 sq. meters with 8 classrooms, 2 computer labs, administrative and student service offices, a library, multipurpose building and cafeteria. Additionally, the 30 acre site has been prepared for expansion and encircled by a perimeter wall.

The dedication of JumpStart's local and international staff, contractors, vendors and our education partner, CCAST, saw this project through a number of stop and starts due to the ongoing violence and border closures. As classes began this September, it is our hope this campus provides world-class technical education for generations of Palestinians, but more importantly, hope for the future.