While UHR Gaza teams have been implementing projects, Marwa Abu Khater was one of the most dedicated volunteers. Marwa has witnessed the suffering and hardships of vulnerable families, especially children. Marwa had a vision inspired by the need she witnessed among children and adolescents in Gaza. UHR listened and today, thanks to our donors, Marwa got the chance she was seeking.

United Hands Relief helped Marwa establish RUIA Center for training and Development – a center that offers intensive training, tutoring and rehab sessions to help improve academic performance for students in elementary, middle, and high school. RUIA also offers select programs in personal and skills/professional development for college students, graduates and professionals.

RUIA center offers its programs free of charge to those who cannot contribute a payment, and receives very minimal fees from some students.

Mohammad Barhoom, an 11th grades said: “I was having problems understanding foundational mathematical concepts. After enrolling in the improvement program at Ruia Center I began improving steadily and now I am one of the achievers in my class and get near perfect scores on my exams.”

As for Manar Ahmad, she said “my English reading, comprehension and composition writing has improved a lot since I joined RUIA. I used to have difficulty understanding my teachers. My parents and I am very thankful for this tutoring opportunity that is free. We are very poor and my father is unemployed. My parents are trying hard to keep me in school, and my dream is to be an English teacher.”

In light of the instability and economic crisis in Gaza, Marwa Abu Khater, RUIA Center Director wanted to contribute her knowledge as an English teacher to her community.

Training is critical to achieving skills that can translate to better jobs or livelihood prospects. UHR’s sustainable development projects directly provide individuals with employment opportunities across various sectors – farming, education, construction and more.