As part of the ongoing partnership between Caritas Jerusalem, Caritas Spain, and AICED (The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation), Caritas Jerusalem welcomed a delegation from the Spanish government to its Beit Jala office on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The visit aimed to follow up on the implementation of the joint project:

“Enhancing Community Participation through Inclusive and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development in the Bethlehem Governorate.”

This strategic initiative aligns with the Palestine-Spain Country Partnership Framework (2020–2024) and the Palestinian National Policy Agenda (2017–2022), focusing on building sustainable economic growth, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting environmental resilience.

Empowering Communities Through Collaboration

The visiting delegation engaged in constructive dialogue with Caritas Jerusalem staff and local stakeholders to assess the project’s progress and identify future opportunities for impact. Following the meeting, the group participated in field visits to key project sites across the Bethlehem Governorate.

These visits provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the project on local livelihoods:

• Al-Khader Market Site Visit:
  Located near Al-Khader Stadium and managed by the Al-Khader Municipality, this future market will serve as a central hub for local farmers to sell fresh, high-quality produce—contributing to economic resilience in the region.

Land Rehabilitation Initiatives:

• In Al-Shawawra, two dunums of land were rehabilitated for cultivating medicinal herbs such as thyme.
• In Husan, 1 dunum was prepared for the cultivation of trellised kiwi vines.
• In Al-Khader, 2.5 dunums were rehabilitated and planted with trellised grapevines.
  All sites were equipped with infrastructure improvements, including fencing, gates, irrigation systems, water tanks, and essential agricultural tools and materials.

These activities aim to strengthen farmers' resilience, improve income stability, and foster environmentally conscious agricultural practices.

Broad-Based Impact and Vision

The project’s broader objectives include:

• Improving the competitiveness of 242 producer families and 15 agricultural enterprises by enhancing access to markets and financial services.
• Revitalizing 15 economic initiatives and supporting 15 new business ideas in high-demand sectors.
• Increasing the employability of 300 vulnerable individuals, particularly youth and women, by offering technical and vocational training aligned with market needs.
• Strengthening social cohesion and local cooperation by actively involving municipalities, cooperatives, and grassroots organizations in sustainable development.

A Shared Commitment to Dignity and Development

In a region marked by political and economic challenges, this project stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration and community-driven development. Through this joint effort, Caritas Jerusalem, Caritas Spain, and AICED aim not only to foster economic growth but also to uphold human dignity, rights, and social inclusion, particularly for the most vulnerable.