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WorldSkills Palestine Team Building Day
Laura SCHILLEMANS | 08/09/2017
There are only a few weeks left until the big adventure, WorldSkillsAbuDhabi2017, and the WorldSkills Palestine team is busy with the final preparations.The core team, the three participants Ibraheem Qawasme for graphic design, Noor Awawdeh for pastry and Ameen Baker for painting and of course the team leader Naser Ghanim, recently went on a successful team building day. In the open nature, after a hike through olive groves, the team discussed various topics. Health safety and environment (HSE) protection, rules and regulations, code of ethics were on the agenda. But also the reflections on the motivation, the necessary personal qualities and attitudes were brought up. Team games and the chance to share own perspective shaped the team further.On the other hand, there were a few worries with the preparation of Noor. Unfortunately, the interaction between the expert and the participant was not as expected. Therefore the necessary level for a successful participation in Abu Dhabi could not be reached. WorldSkills Palestine, the official delegate, the technical delegate and the team leader, explained the situation to the expert. He was offered another chance but unfortunately, the expert refused and announced his departure from the team. WorldSkills Palestine regrets this development and decided to take Noor not as a contestant but as an observer to Abu Dhabi. It will give him the unique opportunity to watch the world’s best young confectioners live at work. As a result, Noor can learn a whole for his personal working career and take a lot of inspiration with him for his future contribution to WorldSkills Palestine. Last but not least: the stakeholders have invited the WorldSkills Palestine team for Abu Dhabi to a farewell party and everyone is invited. So don't forget to write down the date: 20th of September 12:00 at Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre Ramallah. More detailed information will follow soon at facebook.com/palestineskills
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Strategic workshop on institutionalising TVET with the Ministry of Labour
Laura SCHILLEMANS | 06/09/2017
On the 28th of August, The Ministry of Labour and the Belgian Development Agency developed a strategic plan and mechanisms to institutionalise work-based learning schemes in TVET in Palestine. Furthermore, a road map was designed to ensure immediate implementation of the work-based learning schemes in the coming scholastic year. The workshop was attended by different departments of the Ministry of Labour involved in TVET, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Labour, Mr. Samer Salameh, and by the ECIB team of the Belgian Development Agency. Randa Hilal of Optimum was responsible for the consultancy and training. Similar workshops will take place with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Private Sector as well.
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The Ministry of Local Government, in cooperation with BTC, has completed four different training workshops
Laura SCHILLEMANS | 30/08/2017
The Ministry of Local Government, in cooperation with the Belgian Development Agency, has completed four different training workshops in the past weeks. The first one was a workshop on the Strategic Development Planning Manual (SDIP/ACIP) in the presence of 33 participants of the project, the ministry, and directorates of the West Bank governorates. Strategic planning plays an important role in promoting the Palestinian society and in contributing to local economic development. The workshop, which took place over 2 days and counted 12 training hours, focused on the participants’ understanding of the concept, objectives, and principles of strategic development planning and on providing them with the knowledge and skills to use the SDIP manual. The second workshop was an orientation workshop on empowering female members of Local Councils in the local government sector. The ministry is keen on giving elected members the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in the councils. The Assistant Undersecretary of the ministry, Mr. Ahmed Ghoneim, emphasized the role of women in general and their role in the local government in particular. Mr. Raed Barghouthi, the Director General of the local rule of Ramallah, praised the work of the elected members of the local councils and of the Ministry of Local Government, represented by Minister Hussein Al-Aaraj, for their relentless efforts to let local bodies be in direct contact with citizens. The following topics were addressed in the workshop: women rights and duties, the importance of their participation in decision making, accountability principles and their participation in urban planning from a gender perspective. Furthermore, a number of female council members elected in the last period had a chance to tell more about their success stories, challenges and lessons learned. The third workshop was dedicated to the financial management of the LGSIP program for the village councils and joint service councils benefiting from the program. Ensuring that the accountants are up to date on the requirements and financial procedures of the program is part of the ministry’s plan to enable local bodies to provide the best services to their citizens. The fourth workshop targeted the civil affairs employees and General Directorate Managers in the planning system and addressed the use of maps and law dimensions. Deputy Minister Mr. Mohammad Hassan Jabarin opened the session by welcoming the 35 participants and he praised the coordination and cooperation mechanism between both ministries of civil affairs and the MoLG. He encouraged both to continue working together to improve the situation of marginalized groups in Area C. At the end, the participants prepared recommendations for the next step focusing on institutionalizing the work by the different parties. Dooa Qutub, Engineer and representative of the Belgian Development Agency attended all workshops implemented in the last period. She also evaluated the workshop with the participants, in full coordination with MoLG direct beneficiaries, to ensure the objectives were met and a follow-up mechanism was put in place.
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Finishing the rehabilitation of historic buildings in Bani Naim, ‘Asira Ash Shamaliya, Bani Zeid Al Gharbiya and Abud
Laura SCHILLEMANS | 29/08/2017
The Regeneration of Historic Centers in Local Government Units (RHC) project finished the rehabilitation of Khalid Ijdee’ historic building in Bani Naim. The building will be used as a multi-purpose center for the Bani Naim municipality and it will contain branches of governmental and public sector offices. The RHC project also rehabilitated historical buildings in ‘Asira Ash Shamaliya and Bani Zeid Al Gharbiya. In Abud, near Ramallah, the project focused on the main court of the historic center and the Al Burbara church road. Furthermore, the project is working on rehabilitating another historic building in Deir Istiya and it aspires to finish the rehabilitation of 7 more historic centers in the coming year. The aim of the RHC project is to bring life back to historic centers by focusing on their social, cultural and economic development.
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School opening of the DUMA Secondary School for girls in Adh-Dhahiriya, South Hebron
Laura SCHILLEMANS | 29/08/2017
On the 23rd of August 2017, Eric De Muynck, Head of Cooperation of the Belgian Consulate, joined the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Sabri Saidam, in the celebrations of the school opening of DUMA Secondary School for girls in Adh-Dhahiriya, South Hebron. The DUMA school was built under the bilateral Schools Construction program of the Belgian Development Agency (BTC). It provides an answer to the issues of over-crowdedness in nearby secondary schools, unsuitable and old classrooms, lack of specialized schools and long travel distances to school. The DUMA school consists of 16 classrooms that can host 600 girls, specialized rooms for science and ICT, a multi-purpose hall, teacher rooms, outdoor facilities, and a library with a terrace for reading. The school also adheres to environmental standards by optimizing natural light, natural cross-ventilation, water reuse, and thermal insulation. Later this year solar panels will be installed as well. In his speech, Eric De Muynck stressed the strong collaboration between Belgium and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, focused on the joint efforts to provide safe access to schools and protection of children, especially in vulnerable areas such as Area C, and the vital role of girl’s education for the future of the Palestinian Territory. The opening of the DUMA school featured in a day of celebrations to initiate the first day of school across the Palestinian Territory. In the events, Belgium was joined by Ireland, Norway and Germany as partners in the Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) in support of the education sector.
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Research paper on the effects of land use changes in the Kilombero Valley
Jennifer SWERTVAEGHER | 28/08/2017
KILORWEMP established a collaboration with two Wetland Science projects based at the University of Bonn. The science projects are funded respectively by the German Ministry of Education and Research, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the EU Horizon 2020 program. This collaboration and pooling of efforts enabled KILORWEMP to improve the cost effectiveness of the assessment of landscape change in the project target area. The teaming up with well-established expertise in the field of Wetland Science also enabled the production of a solid scientific assessment of key change processes taking place in the Kilombero Valley.Recently, a paper in the scientific journal ‘Sustainability’ was published, reflecting some of this collaborative work. Results of the scientific research show that the changes of land use in the Kilombero Valley – being a floodplain that is increasingly being utilized for agriculture – has “significantly altered the floodplain and already shows an impact on the ecosystem by degrading the existing wildlife corridors”. KILORWEMP is undertaking efforts to raise awareness on the effects of these land use changes, and policy makers are urged to make informed decisions on how to sustainably manage agricultural activities and environmental protection in the area. The full paper can be found through this link: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/9/9/1513.
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Chaque voix est unique!
Stephanie EECKMAN | 24/08/2017
Les vacances n'empêchent pas notre projet Sarraounia de continuer son travail d’amélioration de la rétention des filles dans l’enseignement secondaire. La preuve avec un théâtre participatif dans les collèges de Birni N’Falla, Tombo Kasso, Malam Koara, Kossèye, Yéni et le complexe d’enseignement secondaire de Kiota! Découvrez comment le théâtre participatif implique chaque membre de la communauté pour améliorer l'environnement scolaire.
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Réduire les inégalités en matière de santé
Stephanie EECKMAN | 23/08/2017
Il est 9 heures du matin et le soleil est déjà haut dans le ciel de Boulkagou, un village à environ 120 kilomètres de Niamey. Dans le Centre de Santé Intégré, un groupe de femmes attend avec beaucoup d'impatience l’arrivée de la sage-femme. Il est vrai que les choses ont bien changé à Boulkagou. Avant l’intervention de la CTB, ces femmes devaient se rendre à Gothèye pour se faire soigner, faire appel à des agents de santé mobiles circulant à moto dans cette région désertique ou acheter des médicaments vendus dans les rues. L'ouverture du Centre de Santé Intégré, en mauvais état depuis des années, leur permet enfin d'avoir accès à des soins de santé de qualité. Les locaux ont été entièrement réfectionnés et les conditions de travail se sont nettement améliorées. Mieux encore, la case de santé de ce village a, en plus des travaux de réhabilitation, été équipé en matériel et a bénéficié d'une moto. « Avant, nous n'avions ni table de consultation, ni lit d'accouchement, ni matériel de consultation prénatale et nourrisson. Et voilà que maintenant, la CTB vient de mettre à notre disposition tout ce matériel », témoigne Issaka Tahirou, infirmier de Centre de Santé Intégré. En plus du matériel, la petite pharmacie du centre de santé a été garnie en produits pharmaceutiques essentiels. Avec ces nouvelles conditions de travail, la fréquentation de la case de santé a augmenté. « Ce dernier trimestre, nous avons enregistré pas moins de 4.004 consultations», affirme Issaka. « des chiffres pareils témoignent de la pertinence d’une telle initiative ». En effet, des centres de santé équipés dans une zone comme celle de Boulkagou, c'est plus qu'une nécessité. Dans l'organisation pyramidale du système de santé au Niger, les Centres de Santé Intégrés constituent la structure de base offerte aux communautés villageoises pour leur procurer les premiers soins médicaux. Ils jouent le rôle de dispensaire et assure, avec un équipement minimum, les soins de santé primaires: consultation curative, vaccination et le planning familial, la consultation prénatale et l’accouchement. Les 15 structures réhabilitées, soutenues et approvisionnées par la CTB à travers le Projet d’Appui au Renforcement du Système de Santé du Niger (PARSS) améliorent donc considérablement l’accès à des soins de qualité pour plus de 90.000 habitants des régions de Maradi, Zinder et Tillabéri, en particulier en termes de protection maternelle et infantile. Contribuer à réduire la mortalité maternelle et néonatale « Accoucher au Niger apporte souvent une grande souffrance. J'ai rencontré d'énormes difficultés par le passé et j’ai déjà perdu 8 enfants. Lorsque j’ai accouché de mes derniers jumeaux, je me suis rendu ici et sans l’intervention du docteur je n’aurais peut-être pas survécu. Sans ce centre de santé, j'aurais dû me rendre à 45km d’ici pour recevoir les soins dont j’avais besoin. Même en louant la charrette de mon voisin, un tel voyage serait très difficile. Au moins maintenant, nous avons tout sur place et les soins sont de bonne qualité. » (Mariama, 35) « La région est classée comme une région pauvre », explique Issaka « Et la pauvreté est très associée à la santé maternelle. Beaucoup de mères ont des problèmes de reproduction. Nous voyons de nombreuses urgences obstétricales parce que les femmes vivent si loin, et, en cas d'urgence, les entraîner ici devient un défi » . « Au Niger, comme beaucoup de pays africains, la femme est responsable de sa famille. C'est elle qui s'occupe des enfants, nourrit la famille et veille à ce que la famille soit saine », nous confirme Dr Soumana Adamou Hamma, responsable national du projet PARSS. « La plupart de nigériens vivent dans des zones rurales et là, nous ne disposons pas d'installations de santé adéquates, de sorte que les femmes doivent parcourir de très longues distances pour rechercher des services de santé. Et c'est encore pire quand elles sont enceintes. Trop souvent, elles accouchent à la maison, peut-être avec une sage-femme traditionnelle, peut-être avec une belle-mère ou avec une voisine. Donc, quand il y a des complications, elles ne savent pas quoi faire et la femme est en risque de mourir », explique-t-il. «Nous mettons l'accent sur la fréquentation et surtout les soins aux femmes enceintes et aux enfants de moins de cinq ans ». À l'heure actuelle, la principale cause de mortalité maternelle au Niger est l'hémorragie. «Nous détenons le taux de fécondité le plus élevé au monde avec 7 enfants en moyenne par femme. Il est clair que cela entraine souvent des complications à l'accouchement. Les femmes saignent à mort pendant ou après l'accouchement parce qu'elles ne peuvent pas atteindre les établissements de santé. Pourtant, accoucher dans un centre médical est fondamental pour la santé de la mère et du nouveau-né. », nous dit Dr Hama, « C’est bien pour cela que nous sommes en partenariat avec le gouvernement nigérien, pour nous assurer que les services peuvent atteindre les mères et les enfants là où ils se trouvent ». Chiffres clés : - Le taux de mortalité maternelle au Niger se situe quant à lui à 553 décès pour 100.000 naissances vivantes , tandis que le taux de mortalité infanto-juvénile s'élève aujourd’hui à 26.8 pour 1.000 naissances vivantes. - Seulement 39.7% des accouchements sont assistés par du personnel formé. Le Projet d'Appui au Renforcement du Système de Santé (PARSS) appuie les système de santé nigérien à travers des investissements en infrastructures et équipements. Il s’agit notamment de la construction de 4 hôpitaux de district, la transformation de 15 cases de santé en centres de santé intégrés et un appui à l’organisation des consultations foraines et mobiles pour atteindre les populations résident dans des zones reculées .
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Un nouveau destin à travers la vannerie
Stephanie EECKMAN | 23/08/2017
La force et la résilience des femmes nigériennes est sans limite. A l’aube de la journée de la femme nigérienne, nous sommes fières de vous présenter Sahia, entrepreneuse, elle démontre son courage au quotidien. Ensemble, poursuivons notre combat pour garantir aux femmes la place qu’elles méritent dans notre société.
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La terre aux femmes qui la travaillent
Stephanie EECKMAN | 23/08/2017
Les femmes des villages reculés sont très rarement sous les feux des projecteurs, mais aujourd’hui, ce sont elles qui sont à l’honneur. Nous avons profité du 8 mars pour mettre en lumière une lutte importante qui reste à mener. Laquelle? Découvrez la réponse dans notre vidéo!
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La restitution publique, une confiance partagée
Stephanie EECKMAN | 23/08/2017
« Les séances de restitution publique nous permet de comprendre dans quels domaines, la commune a investi l’argent de nos impôts. Ce sont ce genre d’initiatives qui permettent de créer un climat de confiance entre la mairie et les administrés. » témoigne Abdoul Salam Garba, chef de village de Tounga Chao, un village au sud-est du Niger. Le Programme d’Appui à la Mise en place des Entités Décentralisées dans la région de Dosso, phase 2 (PAMEDII) accompagne 12 communes dans la région de Dosso dans l’amélioration de la gouvernance communale, notamment en matière de planification et de suivi du développement communal, de mobilisation et de gestion transparente des ressources locales et de promotion d’un dialogue et d’une concertation entre les acteurs communaux afin d’être véritablement au service de la population, améliorant les vies des plus pauvres et des plus vulnérables.
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HCMUT-TBI has a new image
Huong TRANTHANH | 23/08/2017
In the framework of operational sustainability, the BTC funded Science & Technology Start-up Incubator Project BIPP supported the Ho Chi Minh University of Technology - Technology Business Incubation Centre to further excel within Vietnams’ technology startup ecosystem. The university incubator recently partnership with a private sector company “UP” to upgrade the incubator with high-end co-working space facilities. The joint partnership mission between the University Incubator and UP is to support high quality incubation and co-working facilities for science & technology startups. UP has sound experiences throughout Vietnam in arranging state of the art co-working space facilities. The development business plan of the incubator isto provide an ideal destination in HCM for start-ups, VCs, lecturers, students as well as people interested in startups with a wide range of networking activities, workshops, trainings, etc. Through the recently completed upgrading and renovation, the incubator strongly supports technology-based start-up businesses and groups, as well as provide potential incubation tenants with a professional working environment to hedge their science & technology ideas for prototyping as well as testing market commercialization. The BIPP project financially assisted the refurbishment of the incubator with partial equipment and furniture
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Visit to the Business and Technology Incubator (BTI) at the Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education at the Islamic University of Gaza
Laura SCHILLEMANS | 18/08/2017
The Business and Technology Incubator (BTI) at the Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) received a delegation from the Belgian Development Agency (BTC) as part of the Business Start-Ups & Incubators Support Project (BSIS),which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Belgian Development Agency. The BTI delegation consisted of Dr. Adel Awadallah, President of the Islamic University, Dr. Nazmi Al Masri, Vice President of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Saeed Al Ghura, Dean of Community and Continuing Service, Dr. Waseem Al Habil, Deputy Dean, Engineer Basil Qandeel, the representative of the BSIS project in Gaza, and the incubator's staff. The BTC delegation consisted of Mr. Dirk Deprez, Representative of the Belgian Development Agency in the Palestinian Territory, Mr. Raed Rajab, Technical Expert of the Agency, and Ms. Haneen Abu Nahla from the BTC office in Gaza. Dr. Awadallah welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed the Islamic University's pride in the visit and the distinguished strategic partnership between the IUG and the Belgian Development Agency. He expressed his hope to continue cooperation in matters that support youth, graduates and the entrepreneurial environment. Specifically, prioritizing and paying special attention to entrepreneurship and the support of entrepreneurial projects that will support and empower young people of both gender and provide sustainable employment opportunities for graduates and Palestinian youth in different sectors; thus, contributing to the local economy. Professor Awadallah stressed in his speech the strong relationship between the Palestinian private sector and the IUG which is considered an integral part of the national economy. During the visit, new facilities for the BTI were inaugurated that are funded by the BSIS project: a common/discussion room, training rooms, and a meeting room. The delegation then listened to a detailed explanation of the progress of the BSIS project, the most important activities carried out, the challenges encountered and how they were overcome. The delegation attended the meeting with the Islamic Relief to discuss the progress of funding that targets the start-ups included in the BSIS project. This was done in the presence of the B&S representative from Belgium, a key partner in the implementation of the project, and Mr. Raed Rajab. Mr. Deprez also praised the progress of the BSIS project in accordance with the specific plans and timeline, as well as the outstanding performance of the BTI which reflects high professionalism and he expressed his hope in achieving all the objectives of the BSIS project to develop the capacity of business incubators. The delegation of the Belgian Development Agency spent three days on incubator field visits inclusive of meets with ten operating start-ups along with other meetings centered around business related institutions. The project itself extends for a period of two years aiming to support the leading entrepreneurs of start-ups in areas such as technical, logistical, and business operations from the six business incubators in different governorates.
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Work-Based Learning (WBL) strategy meeting in Gaza
Laura SCHILLEMANS | 18/08/2017
A third meeting with key stakeholders took place in Gaza to finalize the main pillars of the WBL strategy.BTC is working, through the Enhancing Capacities for institution building (ECIB) project, on a national WBL strategy that will be finalized by the end of this year. The work is implemented by OPTIMUM consultancy firm which is working closely with 2 thematic working groups in West Bank and Gaza Strip.TVET institutions and representatives from the TVET departments at the MoE, the MoL and the LET council in Gaza were present to work together with the private sector on this first step to nationalize WBL and to integrate it within the TVET system.
