Field Visits to Strengthen Economic Empowerment and Sustainability of Social Economy Initiatives and Cooperatives in the Gaza Strip
As part of the implementation of the 2026 Youth Partnership Forum Project activities, and within the social and solidarity economy component, the project team conducted a series of field visits to 12 initiatives and cooperatives across Gaza, the Middle Area, and Khan Younis governorates. The visits aimed to assess their readiness to benefit from grant funding and evaluate their alignment with the project’s objectives related to economic empowerment, sustainability, community inclusion, and enhancing social impact.
These visits were carried out to gain a better understanding of the operational realities of cooperatives amid the difficult humanitarian and economic conditions in the Gaza Strip, and to identify key strengths and challenges. This contributes to directing technical and financial support more effectively and in response to actual needs.
During the visits, the project team conducted direct interviews with representatives of the initiatives and reviewed their administrative and organizational readiness, sustainability plans, community role, and contribution to strengthening the economic and social resilience of members and local communities.
It is worth noting that the Youth Partnership Forum Project is implemented under the supervision of MA’AN Development Center and the Popular Art Centre, with the support and funding of the Belgian Socialist Solidarity Organization (Solsoc).
