Education development

• Model School Network Program Launches Professional Development Component: AMIDEAST launched the professional development (PD) component of the Model School Network (MSN) program. 120 teachers of math, science and English from all MSN schools will participate in a blended program that includes face-to-face off campus training, learning circles at the district level, and in-class observation sessions from a trainer for each participating teacher. This marks the launch of an expanded relationship between MSN and Al-Quds University, which awards 9 graduate credits for teachers’ participation.

ECONOMIC development

• EU Officials Briefed on USAID Support for Palestinian Customs Capacity Building Activities: USAID’s Trade Facilitation Project (TFP) hosted the recently-arrived European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) representatives to acquaint them with various capacity building activities within Palestinian Customs. Further discussions with the EUBAM will inform them of TFP’s work in strengthening border management in the Palestinian Authority.

Water resources and infrastructure

• Park Inauguration with CHF Chairman of the Board: The Kufr Nie’meh Public Park in the Ramallah Governorate was inaugurated at an event attended by the Palestinian Prime Minister, the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Governor of Ramallah, the USAID Mission Director, and CHF’s Chairman and Board of Trustees. The rehabilitation of the park, which serves 50,000 residents in Kufr Nie’meh and the surrounding villages, included a children’s play area, family seating area, amphitheater and cafeteria. Under the Palestinian-American Recreation and Conservation Services Program, USAID provided 20 recreational facilities throughout the West Bank and Gaza. The renovation of the Kufr Nie’meh park generated 1,790 days of employment for Palestinians.

DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE

• Jenin Court Inaugurated: SAID participated in the official opening of the Jenin Court, a centerpiece of the integrated donor efforts to establish security, rule of law, and economic growth in a traditionally difficult area of the northern West Bank. The construction of the court was funded primarily by the Japanese Government through UNDP. USAID contributed equipment, furnishings, and designed the Notary Public and Civil Judgment Units. The Jenin Governor, the Japanese Ambassador and their Representative to the PA, and the Chief Justice attended. In his speech, the USAID Mission Director emphasized USAID's commitment to rule of law development and that the new court is symbolic of the successful law and order campaigns undertaken by the PA, particularly in Jenin. USG staff met with the staff of the USAID rule of law implementer, DPK/Netham, at their Jenin satellite office after the ceremony.