A generous pledge of US$ 15 million from the government of Kuwait will enable UNRWA to open its schools on time for the 2015/16 school year, the UN relief agency said on Friday.

UNRWA had been facing a budget deficit of US$ 101 million in its General Fund that risked delaying the school year for the Agency's 685 schools, potentially affecting half a million Palestine refugee children in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

"Education is central to the identity and dignity of Palestine refugees and of the 500,000 boys and girls whose future depends on learning and developing skills in our 685 schools," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krähenbühl.

"Despite the many challenges and hardships facing UNRWA students today, the contribution from the people and government of Kuwait allows the next generation of Palestine refugees to keep their future hopes alive," he added.

The Commissioner-General went on to add: "Therefore, on behalf of the Palestine refugees, and in particular the half a million children who will be starting the new academic year on time, I express my profound gratitude to the Government of Kuwait for their strong solidarity and generous contribution."