By Zahra Al-Kathmi
KUWAIT, Sept 29 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and Arab Open University (AOU) signed an agreement on Thursday to earmark a sum of USD 900,000 to educate Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
KFAS Director General Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin told KUNA that the endeavor comes as a follow-up to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's pledge to donate USD 300 million in humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees. Moreover, he disclosed that the four-year agreement features a college education and vocational training for Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon, which will provide them with job opportunities.
Speaking on the inaugural year for the agreement, he noted that a sum of USD 10 million has been allocated, while the amounts for the remaining years will be decided shortly. Shihab-Eldin also said that through a sound education, this project will save the teenage demographic from social ills.
"Kuwait has been exemplary in its humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees, setting a precedent for other nations to follow," he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to KUNA, President of AOU's branch in Lebanon Dr. Fairouz Sarkees said that this agreement will ensure a pleasant livelihood for these refugees, adding that the university is welcoming them with open arms. Similarly, President of AOU's branch in Kuwait Mouthi Al-Humoud said that the university will put forth strenuous efforts to ensure the success of this project, as she described education as one of life's necessities.
On the agreement, she added that it will further solidify Kuwait's status as a bastion of philanthropy. (end) asa.nam