Dear Friends,
On behalf of the entire 1for3 team, I want to pass on my hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well.
I am writing to update you on the Community Hydroponic Garden in the UN-run Aida refugee camp.
The challenges related to COVID-19, and the worsening political situation in Palestine, have not delayed the start of the garden project. Recently, our partners, the Lajee Center, signed a contract to begin construction with a local Palestinian NGO. The Union of Agricultural Worker Committees (UAWC) is an organization with unique expertise in constructing urban-garden spaces like the Community Hydroponic Garden. Their knowledge and skills will manage the construction and operation of the Community Hydroponic Garden, and will help ensure that it serves as many families as possible. Taking this important step has brought a great deal of excitement to the communities of Aida and Azza camps during this difficult time.
Building the Community Hydroponic Garden in the UN-run Aida refugee camp will have a wide positive impact on the local population. Over 100 families will benefit from the produce they help to grow in the garden. This means that approximately 800 people will directly benefit from fresh and healthy food. The construction of the garden will entail hiring local trades people including electricians, masons, plumbers, architects, and construction workers.
The project will support the Palestinian economy in other ways. Materials used to build the garden will be purchased locally. This will include metal and poly sheeting, water pumps, water tubing, hydroponic basins, and setting up the solar electricity power source. Direct employment of people will support many families. Hires will include three builders, an agricultural engineer, other tradespeople, and two-full time employees to run the finished garden.
I am happy to provide more information about the Community Hydroponic Garden and look forward to hearing from you.
Nidal Al-Azraq, Executive Director, 1for3
