Hebron /PNN /

The Government of the Republic of Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), officially inaugurated the Yatta Vocational Secondary School in the southern West Bank today. The inauguration marks an important milestone in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Palestine and expanding educational and employment opportunities for Palestinian youth.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Young-Kul Koh, Head of the Representative Office of the Republic of Korea to Palestine; H.E. Dr. Amjad Barham, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Mr. Hyungue Joe, Country Director of KOICA, Ms. Karuna Herrmann, Director of UNOPS in Jerusalem; representatives of Yatta Municipality, local authorities, as well as school officials, teachers, students, and community representatives.

The school was established under the Vocational Training and Educational Fragility Improvement Project for Yatta in Palestine (2022–2027), supported by a USD 6.5 million contribution from the Government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA. Implemented by UNOPS in close partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Yatta Municipality, the project involved the construction, equipping, and furnishing of a dedicated vocational secondary school to address the growing demand for technical education in Yatta and surrounding communities.

The project responds to the need to strengthen the connection between education and labor-market requirements, providing young people with practical skills and competencies that can improve their employability and support local economic development. Labor-market assessments conducted during the project preparation highlighted the significant potential for vocational education to respond to the needs of local businesses and contribute to the development of the local economy.

The newly inaugurated school features six specialized vocational workshops and has the capacity to accommodate 240 students. Supported by 21 academic and vocational teachers, the facility provides a dedicated learning environment where students can acquire practical, hands-on skills and competencies relevant to employment, entrepreneurship, and the evolving needs of the labor market.

Beyond its educational facilities, the project represents an investment in human capital and the future of the Yatta community. By expanding access to quality vocational education, it seeks to empower young women and men, create pathways to productive livelihoods, and strengthen the resilience and socioeconomic development of the local community.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, H.E. Mr. Young-Kul Koh, Head of the Representative Office of the Republic of Korea to Palestine, highlighted the importance of investing in education and technical skills as a foundation for sustainable development.

He emphasized that the establishment of the school reflects the shared commitment of Korea and Palestine to investing in young people and creating opportunities for a better future. Drawing on Korea's own development experience, he noted that investment in education and technical and vocational training played a significant role in transforming Korea into one of the world's leading manufacturing economies.

Mr. Koh also reaffirmed the Republic of Korea's commitment to supporting Palestine's development priorities through cooperation in education, vocational training, and human-resource development. 
 

He encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunities provided by the new school and to use their education and skills to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

H.E. Dr. Amjad Barham, Minister of Education and Higher Education, emphasized the strategic importance of technical and vocational education in Palestine's national development agenda, stating:

"Technical and Vocational Education and Training is a strategic priority for Palestine and a key pillar in preparing young people for the demands of the labor market. The establishment of Yatta Vocational Secondary School represents an important investment in expanding access to quality vocational education, equipping students with practical skills, and strengthening the link between education and employment. We highly appreciate the generous support of the Republic of Korea through KOICA, particularly its continued support for the education sector, including the establishment of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence, and its partnership with UNOPS in delivering this project. We also extend our sincere gratitude to all donors, contributors, supporters, and the people of Yatta for their valuable contributions to making this achievement possible."

Ms. Karuna Herrmann, Director of UNOPS in Jerusalem, highlighted the project's contribution to youth empowerment, stating:

"This institution represents an investment in young people, in opportunity, and in the future of this community. By equipping young Palestinians with hands-on, market-relevant skills, this school creates real pathways to employment, and economic independence. We are deeply grateful to the Republic of Korea and KOICA for their generous support and steadfast commitment, and to the Ministry of Education, the Municipality of Yatta, and the local community, whose trust and partnership made this initiative possible".

The inauguration also reflects the importance of effective partnerships in delivering sustainable development initiatives. KOICA's financial support, UNOPS's implementation expertise, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education's leadership, and the contribution of Yatta Municipality and the local community were instrumental in bringing this project to completion. Special appreciation is extended to the local land donors whose contribution made the establishment of the school possible.

The opening of Yatta Vocational Secondary School represents an important step toward strengthening Palestine's TVET infrastructure, enhancing youth employability, and connecting education more closely with the needs of the local economy. It stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Republic of Korea and Palestine and their shared commitment to investing in people as the foundation of a more resilient and prosperous future.