Malta assistance to the Middle East

The Independent of Malta On line

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=98889

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has selected two proposals in Bethlehem and Jerusalem to benefit from Overseas Development Assistance, consonant with the government’s objective of granting, as a priority, development assistance to the Middle East, and in keeping with the further objective of seeking to support and assist programmes that focus on education, health and children.

At Bethlehem University, the ministry is assisting in the procurement of technology-related hardware items that are needed in support of the educational mission of Bethlehem University, including several desktop PCs, portable LCD projectors and a heavy duty laser printer.

Bethlehem University of the Holy Land is a Catholic Christian co-educational institution of higher learning founded in 1973 in the Lasallian tradition, open to students of all faiths. It is the first university established in the West Bank.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is contributing e12,750, representing 80 per cent of the total amount of requirements.

At St Louis Hospital – Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, Jerusalem, the ministry is assisting in the renovation of the X-ray Department by financing the purchase and installation of a dedicated workstation and related equipment.

Located just outside the New Gate of Jerusalem’s Old City, St Louis Hospital provides hospice and geriatric care for Jerusalem residents regardless of their race, religion or nationality. Today the staff of 60, including doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, support staff and 25 volunteers, provides care for some 50 patients.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is contributing e12,224, equivalent to 80 per cent of the price of the equipment and the work to be carried out.

During 2009, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assisted 11 projects in various countries using the available budget of e330,000.