The Athletic Club Foundation and UNRWA Euskadi project for Palestinian refugee children
The Athletic Club Foundation and UNRWA Euskadi project for Palestinian refugee children
Around 8,000 vulnerable children will receive physical education classes in 16 schools run by UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
Syria is home to one of the oldest and largest Palestinian refugee communities in the world.
An exodus that began when hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war – known as the Nakba – and which continues today as a result of the displacement of thousands of Palestinian families who have taken refuge in Syria, mainly coming from Lebanon.
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) is the United Nations agency that, since 1949 and until a just and lasting solution to their situation is found, assists and protects Palestinian refugees.
In Syria, UNRWA manages nine refugee camps, 102 schools, 23 primary health centres and two mobile clinics, meeting the basic needs of more than 438,000 people.
The situation facing the Palestinian refugee community in Syria is extremely difficult, with the community mired in poverty and completely dependent on humanitarian aid. Nearly half a million people have seen their vulnerable circumstances worsen in recent years due to the country's socio-economic instability and the two earthquakes in 2023.
In this dramatic context, UNRWA has issued an international emergency appeal to which the Athletic Club Foundation has responded by launching a project that promotes Palestinian refugee children's right to education through sport. To be precise, around 8,000 vulnerable children will receive physical education classes in 16 of the schools run by UNRWA.
From October 2025, The Athletic Club Foudnation (AC Fundazioa) will cover the cost of hiring 16 teachers to help children from Palestinian families cope with their unfortunate and unjust situation through games and exercises, ensuring these children have safe spaces to play and upholding their right to take part in meaningful recreational activities.
In other words, it's about using football and sport as tools for social improvement and enhancing people's quality of life, which is what Fundazioa aims to do with all its projects.
Honey Thaljieh, 125th anniversary ambassador and patron of the project
Honey Thaljieh, Athletic Club ambassador during our 125th anniversary, has joined the project and will lead one of the training sessions for the children involved.
The former captain and co-founder of the Palestinian women's national football team was appointed ambassador because of her work in promoting gender equality and peace.
Technical staff from Lezama will train the teachers involved in the project through online sessions.
Athletic Club and AC Fundazioa, together with representatives from the UN agency UNRWA, will soon hold an event to officially present this partnership.