Gaza Youth Preparation Initiative Announced by Ministry

Gaza Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture announces extension of Youth Preparation initiative

By Julie Webb-Pullman

Gaza Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mohammed Al-Madhoun and the Director of Youth Preparation Institute Amin Abu Amreen on Wednesday addressed an event at Rashad ElShawa Convention Centre in Gaza City held for graduates of the Youth Preparation Institute programme introduced in 2011.

The Minister emphasised that youth represent the hope for the future of Palestine, and the programme aims to instruct and prepare them for the realities and requirements of the world.

“The initiative of 2011 will not be in vain,” he said, advising the audience that the programme, launched in 2011 and which continued through 2012, will also be available in 2013, to ensure it meets its targets.

“We don’t want you just to have a certificate when you finish,” he went on, “but also skills and dignity.”

Minister Al-Madhoun pointed out that there was a good incentive to finish the course – although it costs $100 to enrol, everyone who completes the course receives a full refund.

The Director of the Youth Preparation Institute, Amin Abu Amreen, said that so far 1200 young people have registered in the programme, and 1027 have graduated. He outlined the course content, saying it has two branches – general training, and specialised training. The specialist areas include information technology, art, security studies, sports, human rights, parliamentary studies, and summer games.

Both speakers extended their greetings and support for the Palestinian hunger-strikers demanding humane treatment of detainees, in accordance with international guarantees and standards for the treatment of prisoners.

At the conclusion of the event, the organisers called on those present to go to Al Jundy park and show their support at the solidarity tents, describing it as a moral, human and national obligation.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mohammad Almadhoun

Manager of Youth Programmes Ameen Abu Amreen

ENDS

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