Community Development and Continuing Education Institute, in cooperation with Palestine Ahliya University, launched “Sawtna” project in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation (KAS) in an online meeting, with the presence of representatives of institutions, grassroots partner institutions in the project and youth groups from participating areas and students from Palestine Ahliya University.
Executive Director of the Community Development Institute, Mr. Khaled Shanaa started and facilitated the meeting. He welcomed the attendees and stressed the importance of the project as it focuses on increasing youth participation in public matters. This, he explained, is an issue of national and developmental priority in Palestine, particularly targeting marginalized areas. He praised the rapid response of partners and youth groups in those regions. He emphasized that the project will utilise the learning methodology through community and civic participation. The project will also mainly rely on the young people for leading the project’s activities, especially the planning and implementation of youth initiatives, which improves their affiliation and contributes to building their capabilities.
In a speech by the KAS Foundation, Mr. Stephen Hofner, “the regional director of the Foundation”, pointed out the importance of the project in terms of content, target group and methodology, as it meets the goals and activities of (KAS), stressing that the Foundation works closely and in participation with many Palestinian partners on issues of common importance, including enabling Palestinian youth to take a leading role in various aspects of public matters, stressing that KAS offers many programs, services and opportunities that can be benefit young people.
Mr. Bahaa Arman from Community Development institute gave a presentation on the project, which included a detailed explanation of the project’s idea, objectives, activities and expected outputs, in addition to introducing the strategic partners of the project.
At the end, the partners signed memorandums of understanding online, including: the community accountability committee in Beit Fajjar, the youth council in Tuqu’ town in Bethlehem, the community accountability committee in Beit Awa town and the youth council Al-Shuyoukh town in Hebron. Finally, the discussion was open for partners, volunteers and students from Palestine Ahliya University.
It is noteworthy that “Sawtna” project is implemented in partnership with and with the support of the German Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation (KAS), and the Community Development and Continuing Education Institute in partnership with Palestine Ahliya University and local partners from the areas of Beit Fajjar, Tuqu’, Beit Awa and Al-Shuyoukh” in Hebron and Bethlehem governorates. The project will be implemented during the period from 01/03/2021 to 31/12/2021
