Due to their multiple plights, Palestinians have come to realize that education is a gift that cannot be confiscated, demolished or occupied. Yet Israeli policies continue to make obtaining an education difficult. Students in the West Bank must traverse checkpoints, long routes and random closures to attend school. Palestinians in Gaza and the refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan face different, but equally daunting challenges. UPA recognizes the power of education and offers programs that increase its availability and affordability. These include the Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship Fund and support for youth leadership initiatives, artistic programming, vocational training, and continuing education for adults.