Iqraa: Running for Palestinian Education
UPA has partnered with the Iqraa running club in the Washington, DC area since 2008 to raise money for education projects in Palestine. Iqraa (“read” in Arabic) trains runners—including beginners—to successfully complete the Baltimore Half-Marathon or the Marine Corps Marathon, both held in October each year. Training begins in the spring.
"Iqraa is a great opportunity to get in shape, meet good-hearted people, and raise money and awareness for a great cause." - Kirk Campbell, Lead organizer of Iqraa
To learn more about Iqraa, read the answers to some frequently asked questions below or contact Kirk Campbell via email at kirkcruachan@yahoo.com.
Details About the 2011 Season
This year, the Baltimore Half-Marathon will be held on October 15th and the DC Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 31st. All funds raised by the runners during 2011 will be divided equally between two programs:
- Scholarships for Palestinian students to attend Gaza universities, including the University of Palestine, the Islamic University of Gaza, the University College of Applied Sciences, and Al-Azhar University.
- After-school tutoring for special education students at the Spafford Children’s Hospital in East Jerusalem (in the Old City).
What does United Palestinian Appeal do to aid Palestinian education?
UPA works with local schools, orphanages, vocational training centers, and universities in an effort to help strengthen the Palestinian educational system. The school system in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is underdeveloped due to years of occupation and neglect.
Students and teachers must contend with overcrowded classrooms, rundown buildings and facilities, outdated curricula, and inadequate training for teachers, in addition to school closures and restrictions on movement for students and staff. A growing population and limited finances present further obstacles to improving the educational system for Palestinian youth.
UPA-supported educational projects in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Lebanon provide communities with modern educational resources such as libraries, scientific laboratories, computer centers, improved classroom facilities, and qualified, well-trained teachers.
How do I know my money is going to the right place?
UPA ensures both that donations are not used to unnecessarily fund overhead and that the funds we send to Palestine go through long-established and reputable organizations. Our latest independent audit (for calendar year 2010) determined that our management and fundraising costs together equal 4 percent of our total budget, which means 96 percent of your contributions go directly to assisting Palestinians in need. UPA also complies fully with U.S. regulations and is a proud member of the Combined Federal Campaign and the Independent Charities of America.
Can you send money to Gaza?
Yes. In fact, UPA has been at the forefront in responding to the ongoing crises in Gaza. We sent 18.5 tons worth of food aid to Gaza, distributed by UNRWA to 19,334 of the neediest families in Gaza. At the end of February 2009, just days after learning that one of the few health clinics in Gaza had been completely destroyed, UPA made an emergency grant to help our longtime partner, the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, in the rebuilding effort. And we continue to send funds through our Child Sponsorship Program to over 100 children in Gaza.
What are UPA’s political positions?
None. UPA is a strictly non-partisan, non-sectarian 501(c)(3) charity.