Kuwait Gives Anera $1 Million for Gaza Children

December 21, 2011 – Anera (American Near East Refugee Aid) is pleased to announce a donation of $1 million from the government of Kuwait to fund Anera’s work with children in Gaza.

Kuwait’s ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah made the presentation at Anera’s Washington headquarters to Anera President Bill Corcoran and Anera Board Chair Ambassador Edward Gnehm. “Kuwait has always been a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian people and at the forefront of humanitarian efforts. My government saw the merits of Anera’s programs in Gaza, especially for the children of Gaza. We have been very touched by what Anera does and we want to continue to support the programs.”

The donation will help fund health care projects aimed at preschoolers at a time when World Health Organization statistics show that nearly four out of ten children under five in Gaza are suffering from anemia and malnutrition.

“This generous gift strengthens Anera’s capacity to care for Palestinian children at their most vulnerable age,” explained Gnehm, a veteran diplomat and former U.S. ambassador to Kuwait.

A $1 million gift from Kuwait in 2010 helped support Anera’s Milk for Preschoolers program, which has delivered vitamin-fortified milk and biscuits to more than 18,000 preschool children across Gaza on a daily basis since 2003. Anera has also able renovated more than 40 preschools in support of education across Gaza.

‘This new $1 million grant is a valued endorsement of Anera’s ability to deliver with the highest standards of accountability and responsibility,” said Corcoran.