Civics, Governance & Community Development

March 5, 2006 – March 9, 2006 (Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah)

Speakers

Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi

Head of PASSIA, Jerusalem

Dr. Ali Jarbawi

Professor of Political Science, Birzeit University

Dr. Kenneth Ellison

Senior Associate, Governance/Institutional Development; ARD, Inc.

Rami Khouri

Editor-at-Large, The Daily Star, Beirut

Course Outline

Background

In their process of state building, Palestinians face a challenging task: they have to build the citizens before there is a functioning state. It is a difficult unique undertaking, yet it can be very rewarding as well. The course on Civics, Governance and Community Development will act as an important mean for capacity development by improving the participants’ understanding of basic skills and principles of developing and building a strong community as well as empowering people for effective civic engagement through emphasizing citizen power, participation and influence. The course thus aims to equip citizens with the relevant knowledge and skills to participate in the decision-making processes that accompany and produce societal changes and community advancement.

Application Requirements

The seminar is designed for participants who work in governmental, private and NGO sectors and who would benefit from an opportunity to develop their civic education skills and knowledge, especially with regard to community development principles and needs and the required skills and attitudes to help in their application. Normally, the applicant holds a BA degree or its equivalent. Applicants must be able to commit themselves full-time (9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.) throughout the required period and to undertake preparatory reading and written work. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.

Program Structure and Content

The seminar on Civics, Governance and Community Development is structured as follows:

Preparation. Prior to the seminar the selected participants will be provided with a reading package, which will enable them to become familiar with the course material. Each participant will be required to write a brief paper on a subject related to the seminar. The presentation of this paper will be an integral part of the program.

Intensive Seminar. During the five-day intensive seminar a fundamental background on the key issues, concepts and practice of Civics, Governance and Community Development will be established in an effort to improve the participants knowledge of civics, local government and community development principles and practices, and to foster civic competence and responsibility.

Seminar Topics include:

Governance and Civil Society
Role of Local Government
Community-based Development Principles and Concepts
Assessing Community Needs and Assets
Promoting Interest in Community Issues
Getting Issues on the Public Agenda and building networks
Design, Management and Evaluation of Community-based Projects
Case studies

Conclusion. At the close of the seminar, certificates will be awarded by PASSIA to participants who successfully complete the program.

Procedure

Completed application forms must be submitted to PASSIA by Tuesday, 14 February 2006. PASSIA will then invite short-listed applicants to interviews. Applicants will be notified of the results and, upon selection, participants will have to confirm their commitment to full-time participation (from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.) in writing as well as submit a letter from their employers confirming that they will be exempted from work during the required period.

The PASSIA Seminar will take place from 5-9 March 2006 (Sunday through Thursday) at the Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah. All candidates must commit themselves to participate fully during the entire period.

No fees for undertaking the seminar are required from the participants.