GAZA recent visit Andrea Merli 01-04-2008

Dear all,
here I come with few updates after my recent visit in Gaza and my meeting with Sabah.
In my view, the situation appeared much calmer than in November, and Sabah's husband confirmed that internal security is better since inter-factional fighting has practically ended. Also, I saw myself that there are plenty of food and groceries in the street markets. So, it seems that there is no immediate food shortage. At the same time, most people are moving on donkey-carts, since fuel is extremely scarce and expensive. The Israeli only allow diesel gasoline to enter Gaza, which is used mostly for powering generators. I saw hundreds of cars lined-up in queue at gas stations, despite empty reserves. Also, in few places some clashes happened between the people and the Hamas police, which apparently was preventing the little gas available to be sold for keeping it for their own needs. There's no way to say if that was true, but the intensity of these confrontations was fairly limited. And that is all unrest I personally witnessed. Electric power still comes and goes, but it is available in most areas untill midnight. Is seems that Egypt is providing additional power to the local capacity.
Now, concerning our project, I discussed with Sabah the idea of starting some little income-generation activities by hiring unemployed people as support staff for the schools, for example as cleaners or gardeners. She said that this kind of help would be much more needed than the food packs. So, she suggested to reduce the number of food packs from 150 to 50, and to give some people the opportunity to work. This is really the most appreciated support, besides contributing to the schools expenses.
Practically, Sabah told me that the average salary for such jobs would be 400 NIS per month. Given that information we should plan at least for a one-year support, that would make 400 x 12 = 4800 NIS per year per worker. Let us say 5000 NIS. Now it is up to us, depending on the budget, to tell Sabah how many people we want to hire for the next year. After we give her an idea, then she will contact the schools, consider their needs and look for the appropriate people together with the teachers. I really think we should move into this kind of activity and reduce the food packs.
Also, I mentioned to Sabah the opportunity to find and support another school, and she said she would think about it. Finally, I gave her 1000 NIS as agreed with Andres in order to cover the expenses for Mother's Day. I have the receipt with me.
That's all for the moment.
All the best!
Andrea