Background

The construction sector in Gaza is hardly hit due to the volatile political situation in Gaza Strip that led to tight siege and devastating war on Gaza which started on December 27, 2008 and ended January 21, 2009. According to the Palestinian Authority, 4,036 housing units were destroyed and a further 11,514 were partially damaged. Government buildings, water, energy and communications infrastructure, educational establishments and hospitals all sustained significant damage. The construction sector is identified as one of the most promising sector to develop based on the ILO survey on skills in Palestine. The construction sector represented 21% of the local GDP and involved 30% of the private workers before the crisis in Gaza strip. Currently, in Gaza, the construction industry employs only 1% of the total labour force (PCBS 2009). Moreover, the impact of the military operations on shelters and the 3.5% annual growth of the population of Gaza associated to the massive reconstruction investment make the construction sector a vital economic segment to recover to guarantee short and long-term benefit on employment and the local economy. The employment situation in Gaza went from bad to worse under the impact of the total blockade, which has virtually strangled all regular economic activity. Moreover, the ILO 2009 latest survey3 on skills confirmed that services related to labor market, job vacancies and sectors needs were not adequate. The unemployment rate remains specifically high in the construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. This directly and negatively affects the poverty rate of those households whose breadwinners are involved in these sectors.

Objectives

The project will contribute to skills development, employment generation and social and economic recovery in the Gaza Strip. It focuses on:

• UNRWA Vocational Training institution namely; Gaza Training Center (GTC) and Khan Younis Training Center (KYTC) have extended their training facilities to conduct competency-based skills training (CBT) programmes (short-term) through institutional based training interventions including on-the-Job training in the occupational area “Building and Construction” and UNRWA over-aged students gained labour market relevant skills and/or employment.
• Local SMEs of the construction sector will have been empowered through provision of well-trained staff (construction workers).
• A strategy to maximize employment within UNRWA Gaza programme will be formulated.

Expected results 

Upon completion of the project, the following results will be achieved:

• Capacity of UNRWA TVET institution is strengthened (equipment & best practices manuals);
• Capacity of UNRWA’s trainers is enhanced through the set up of a core CBT trainer team
• 5 Curriculum of training programs is reviewed, 5 evaluation guide and 5 instructor guides developed
• 5 Short-term CBT Training programs delivered
• Capacity of construction SMEs is enhanced.
• On-job training is delivered
• Skills development and employment creation strategy formulated.

Key resources

Palestinain Women's Economic Empowerment