Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has completed an economic empowerment project for poor Palestinian households in the City of Al-Quds, with a total budget of $282,000 (more than QR 1mn).
The project was coordinated between QRCS's representation mission in the West Bank and the Zakat Al-Quds Committee.
Recently, Phase 2 of the project has been accomplished, by purchasing and delivering diverse sewing machines and collaterals for 26 female-headed households in Al-Quds districts and outskirts.
Each household received four sewing machines, an iron, and an ironing board. They were also trained in how to use the new equipment. The materials will be procured from contracted local suppliers.
Done earlier this year, Phase 1 involved establishing apiaries for 51 poor households, each provided with eight beehives, beekeeping suits, gloves, and training.
The project effectively helps the households with orphans and poor people have a stable source of income, reduces poverty, raises living standards, and gives a boost to the local market.
Entrepreneurship is a key component of national economies worldwide, as it energizes the economy, creates more jobs, attracts skilled manpower, and contributes strongly to the gross domestic product (GDP).
In Al-Quds and the West Bank, micro enterprises constitute 90% of Palestine's economic activity. Therefore, it is crucial to secure a good environment for these businesses to thrive.
Apart from local economic development, micro enterprises have a social aspect of promoting work values and initiative, as well as destigmatizing self-employed jobs.
