DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has signed an agreement to provide training for Gaza fishermen in occupational safety, organising workshops and offices for Union of Fishermen in Rafah and Deir Al Balah involving $250,000.
For over four years, QC has been committed to promoting the Gaza fishing industry and fishery, assisting about 4,000 professional fishermen and their families who struggle even in times of peace to ply their trade due to blockades.
This has been part of an agriculture and fisheries programme worth $10m that so far has helped more than 210,000 people in projects that included the rehabilitation and maintenance of fishing boats and the creation of 85 equipment storage sheds for fishermen, the renovation of 118 homes of fishermen, the rehabilitation of agricultural land and the drilling of wells.
Last year’s Israeli aggression on Gaza cost fishermen an estimated $9m according to official Palestinian sources; split between direct losses amounting to $6m and indirect losses of $3m. More than 50 fishing boats and as many equipment storage sheds were destroyed.
Earlier last year, QC’s work with the fishing community included a vocational training programme for 280 children in Gaza, with a budget of $140,000.
Thirteen vocational courses on offer ranged from those in the repair and maintenance of marine engines and electricity to sewing embroidery; and computer and mobile phone repair and maintenance to language skills and office management.
Trainees were also provided with income-generating projects prior to the aggression.
The Peninsula
