Since 2002, Première Urgence intervenes North of the West Bank following the construction of the separation wall and the deterioration of the economic situation. Première Urgence leads several projects of economical revival, cash for work, water and sanitation, or distribution of heating equipment, water tanks and water. These programs aim to improve the living conditions of populations.
The goal of economic recovery programs implemented by Première Urgence is twofold:
- Reviving the economy of the area by injecting money (cash for work program) to promote economic exchanges;
- Reduce the dependence of the population vis-à-vis humanitarian aid in creating sustainable jobs enabling recipients to cover the basic needs of their families.
In 2009, Première Urgence has focused in the districts of Ramallah, Qalqilya and Salfit. Première Urgence is currently active in 15 villages in the Ramallah district on programs of economic revival.
Abd Al-Rahim Abdel AlQader Dogra is one of 18 recipients of the village of Ein Kafer (north of Ramallah) to work with Première Urgence in the rehabilitation of an old building closed since 1976. After a needs assessment in the village, Première Urgence decided in close cooperation with the village council to rehabilitate the building to make it a place of encounter and exchange activities and opportunities of the village (weddings, parties, cultural event).
Aged 44 years, Abd Al-Rahim, a Palestinian born in Kafr Ein, is the only breadwinner. His wife, Fathiya, his two daughters and two sons, and his mother, all rely on him. Abd Al-Rahim remains powerless in the face of the deterioration of living conditions of his home. " 9! I did no work for 9 years , "says there," My last real job was in 2000, in Israel, as a day laborer. Since I have not had regular work. On rare occasions, I do work for farmers around the village. I knocked on doors to find any job, to no avail. I asked several times the issue of work permits in Israel. Each time, I was denied without any explanation. "
Fathiya Omran, 32, wife of Abd Al-Rahim told us " Winter is the worst time of the year, the water comes from all over the house. My children were frozen last winter! "
Abd Al-Rahim added: "We need to use the debts system each month for approximately NIS 600 for the market and 150 NIS for the electricity bill. When we have some money left, bread and lentils are our main meal. "
Fathiya Omran said: " Jasmine , my daughter ,6 years old, needs an operation on her leg. When my husband told me he had an opportunity to work with Première Urgence, I was very happy. The first thing we will buy is food for the children, and we will also pay the school. Maybe, i could even buy a pair of shoes ! »
But Abd Al-Rahim remains more pragmatic than his wife: "I will pay the debts for electricity and the market first. I am pleased to be working for Première Urgence. My joy is double, because I now have a real job and I earn money. In addition, my work will help to rehabilitate an area in which the whole village could meet. "