DECEMBER 2009 |
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Part of the third Colloquium on Palestinian Higher Education that took place at AnNajah National University in Nablus (West Bank) in July 2009
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THE GOALS
To support the MOE Education Development Strategic Plan for the years (2008-2012), as it relates to improving the quality of education, through:
- Upgrading the qualifications and improving the competencies of human resources in the higher education system
- Introducing new pedagogy and best practices in teaching and learning
- Providing incentives for innovation and creation of knowledge
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THE GOALS
- Readiness of universities to reform teaching and learning practices
- Relevance of university programs and quality assurance systems
- Sustainable financial resources
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Chief of Party:
Mr. John Fitzgibbon
E-mail: jfitzgibbon@amideast.org
Program Coordinator:
Ms. Nariman Rajab
E-mail: nrajab@amideast.org
Address:
Al-Wataniah Building, Ramallah
Tel: 02-240-8023/108
Fax: 02-240-8017
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USAID/WEST BANK GAZA CONTACT INFORMATION
Education Development
Office Director:
Karen Exel
Email: kexel@usaid.gov
Project Manager:
Bassam Kort
Email: bkort@usaid.gov |
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Overview
Launched in October 2005, the Palestinian Faculty Development Program (PFDP) is a seven-year program that aims to increase capacity within the higher education sector in the West Bank and Gaza and address long-term issues of reform in teaching and learning practices. The program is funded by USAID and the Open Society Institute (OSI) and administered by AMIDEAST and OSI.
The PFDP Program’s two main objectives are:
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To promote the expansion, retention, and professional development of promising academics teaching in the social sciences and humanities
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To revitalize and reform teaching in these areas at Palestinian higher education institutions, as well as promote an institutional culture of teaching and learning.
The program will address these objectives through the following core components:
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PhD Fellowships
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Short-Term Fellowships
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Faculty Development Series
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Seminar for Excellence in Teaching (SET)
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Seminars at the Central European University (CEU)
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Master’s Scholarships for Ministry of Education staff
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Local scholarships to university students
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Grants to universities’ schools of education
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Collaborative Projects in Teaching (CPT)
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Teaching Excellence Awards
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Academic Colloquia
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Faculty Grants
The scope and depth of this program will create a cadre of academic leaders who will, in time, be in positions to shape Palestinian higher education for the next generation.
Therefore, implicit in the objectives are the expectations of:
1) improving the quality and method of student learning;
2) providing university faculty across disciplines with a renewed appreciation for the art of teaching;
3) reforming higher education promotion/reward structures so that outstanding faculty teaching is rewarded;
4) build capacities within the Ministry of Education and Universities in support of teaching reforms at the basic, secondary and tertiary levels
PFDP’s support to higher education in Gaza encompasses most of the components above. A component for local scholarships to university students has been launched recently in collaboration with Al Azhar University.
About AMIDEAST
USAID’s implementing partner for PFDP is AMIDEAST (America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc.). AMIDEAST is a private, nonprofit organization that strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. Founded in 1951, AMIDEAST is headquartered in Washington, DC, with a network of field offices in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen.
About the Open Society Institute (OSI)
The Open Society Institute, a private operating and grant-making foundation, works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve its mission, OSI seeks to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.
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