In the beleaguered West Bank with Palestinians
besieged politically and economically, NEF (Near East Foundation) provides
a lifeline of assistance and hope in a "cluster" of 14 villages
north of Nablus. NEF is meeting basic needs as well as seeking longer-term
solutions with a wide range of environmental, economic, health, education
and nutrition activities underway. Here is the most recent twist to our
highly successful "Cup of Milk" program," now featuring
a new treat.
The United Nations World Food Program
is partnering with NEF and Human Concern International, linking local bakeries
with our protein-rich nutritional supplements to 35 area kindergartens
serving 2,500 children, every month for the entire school year.
Beneficiaries are kindergarteners northwest of Nablus, where NEF concentrates its multifaceted work in a "cluster" of villages, specifically for this program in Asira al Shamaliya, al Bathan, Taluzza, Ajansinya, Beit Imrin, Sabastiya, Bazzariya, Burqa, Al Naqura, Yasid, Deir Sharaf, and Maysaloon. The area is considered one of the poorest in the northern West Bank.
NEF's "Cup of Milk" dairy products are joined with biscuits and country style "baladi" breads--local favorites and a treat of two kilograms of bread per child per month in an area of huge unemployment and consequent deprivation.
The World Food Program is delivering essential ingredients like flour, sugar, and oil; and NEF provides salt, yeast, powdered milk, and sesame seeds. They are stored free in the al Bathan local council's warehouse, then go to various area bakers contracted to make the different breads delivered to the kindergartens. NEF organized the operation following discussion in September 2005 with the World Food Program, and made arrangements with the bakeries, kindergartens, and for delivery of the foods.
This is but the latest addition to "Cup of Milk" whose success can easily be measured--there's no absenteeism when milk packages are to be delivered, plus you can hear the kids singing the "anemia (prevention) song" all over. Further, NEF's health and nutrition awareness workshops attract hundreds of Palestinian mothers. The local dairy industry benefits during a difficult time of low sales, as do dairy farmers--and now bakers. And kids get healthy food made from fine ingredients.
Further, NEF staff met June 20 with World Food Program officials, Claire Conan and Jacques Higgins, and discussed both expanding the program and making it more comprehensive. Rather than confined to kindergartens, nutrition supplements for children may reach entire schools and cover areas hard hit by the separation wall, places like Jenin, Gaza, Jordan Valley and villages south of Hebron.
INCOME GENERATING/JOB CREATING/SELF HELP
NEF has yet to receive necessary funding for another creative initiative against rural poverty during the current economic crisis--this time using sheep. Awaiting funding is a $90,000 revolving loan fund for animal husbandry for 60 poor, rural, farming families.
Each family would receive six sheep (usually five pregnant females and a male) and animal feed, improving each family's nutrition and supplementing their income with the sale of consequent milk, meat, and livestock. That means $120 more in their pockets each month from the milk sales; and $200 to be gained for each lamb, with ewes typically giving birth three times every two years.
In this first round, 36 more Palestinian families could be brought in when participants repay their loans; and the potential exists for extension to 40 more families annually. This project is a particularly good way to help women farmers since tending sheep is a relatively easy, profitable business. Giving its complete commitment for success, NEF also would provide veterinary services, not only for the 60 project farmers, but for this entire rural, agricultural community.
As always, NEF has garnered community participation: a local committee has been organized to supervise the distribution of the animals; a local bank will manage the loan; beneficiaries make a 25 percent contribution by purchasing additional animals and helping construct a sheep barn; and all area farmers would have access to better health care for their animals.
Support of NEF's work with Palestinians in the West Bank catalyzes their confidence, capabilities, and priorities; and increases both the cost effectiveness and sustainability of our grassroots programs on their behalf. Breaking down the costs of this animal husbandry further for a needy farmer, $900 provides three sheep with one month's animal feed and three months vet services. For five sheep the cost is $1,500 for one month's feed and three months vet services.