JumpStart International has extended its existing revitalization project in Beit Hanoun, a city in the north of the Gaza Strip for additional eight weeks.

 JumpStart workers completing one section of Beit Hanoun highway

Additional damage caused by recent Israeli incursions into Beit Hanoun and the surrounding areas has left thousands of tons of debris throughout the area, preventing or obstructing traffic on the roadways. The city’s infrastructure is in extremely bad condition and the streets receive little public maintenance from the cash strapped municipality. The highway connecting Beit Hanoun to the rest of Gaza is marred by deep holes and concrete debris making traveling not only difficult but extremely hazardous.

Debris obstructing roadway in Northern Gaza

With the current unemployment rate in Beit Hanoun estimated at 41%, the Beit Hanoun project extension will provide additional 4,032 days of employment to 168 local residents.

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.