The main goals of UPA's Community Development Program are to protect those most vulnerable from devastating poverty, and to sustain community development by reinforcing economic self-reliance, strengthening human resources, and providing social services to all communities in need. UPA's Community Development projects help provide job training, health education, literacy education, physical rehabilitation, and sports, culture and recreation.


The unstable political climate in the region has kept business investment in the Palestinian economy at bay. Periods of closure, when goods and laborers are prevented from entering Israel, have resulted in a rapidly shrinking economy and keep almost half the Palestinian population living in poverty. In Lebanon also, the situation remains dire for Palestinian refugees, as their social programs are gravely under-funded and underdeveloped.


Services for the Community Development program are provided by local non-governmental institutions, which continue to play a crucial role in the overall development of the Palestinian Territories. By partnering with such institutions, UPA is able to:

Provide vocational training and micro-enterprise ventures for marginalized members of society (for example: women, the handicapped, the mentally disabled).

Offer financial assistance to those most in need.

Deliver food and services to the elderly.

Advance agricultural techniques.

Rehabilitate the injured and handicapped.

Support community centers for youth.

Promote knowledge and understanding of Palestinian culture throughout the world.

Help UPA strengthen communities. Contribute today.