Child Sponsorship Program

In 1986, UPA began its Child Sponsorship Program to provide humanitarian assistance to children living under hardship conditions in the Palestinian Territories. Continuing Israeli occupation, poverty, and the current situation of conflict all threaten Palestinian children's basic human right to an education. UPA's Sponsorship Program is our most successful program ever, with over 1,392 children having participated. Through UPA, sponsors from around the world give financial support to Palestinian children at many schools, orphanages and other welfare institutions throughout the West Bank, Gaza Strip and in the refugee camps of Lebanon. In doing so, the dream of a better future can become a reality for so many deserving young people.

It would be difficult to overstate the benefits of sponsorship for the children who participate in our program up to age 16. For example, $150 -- the average annual primary school tuition -- is a costly burden for poor families, accounting for over 10% of their per capita income. UPA sponsorships, which provide a minimum of $300 per year to each child therefor lessening parents' financial burden, inspire the fulfillment of educational dreams and hope for a brighter future.

UPA sponsors are directly involved in their child's development through regular exchange of letters and photographs, as well as progress reports from teachers and school social workers. In some cases, sponsors visit their children in Palestine, meeting with family members and school administrators so that they can better see how they are making a difference in their child's life. Such communication between sponsor and child enables a lasting bond of love and support that is invaluable to both participants.

The cost of sponsoring a Palestinian child is $300 a year, plus a $25 sign-up fee. UPA has a flexible payment schedule, with sponsors paying monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or annually. Personal checks or major credit cards are preferred. All sponsorship payments go to the child—without any deduction whatsoever after the $25 sign-up fee—through educational institutions in which he or she is enrolled. These institutions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are highly regarded for high academic standards as well as quality staff. Browse Children's Profiles.

Our other programs include:
Health Care
Community Development
Education

United Palestinian Appeal
1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW Suite 104
Washington, DC 20037
Tel.: (202) 659-5007
Fax: (202) 296-0224
Email: contact@helpupa.com
Website: www.helpUPA.com