INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

The Institute, adjacent to the campus, is an integral unit of Bethlehem University. The Institute aims to strengthen University ties with the Palestinian community and individuals, through providing expertise and facilities available at the University, in a manner that allows growth and development of the University through greater involvement with local community. The Institute consists of a number of specialized units, each carrying out activities within the University, and supported by a Core Unit responsible for support and coordination. Activities of the Institute for Community Partnership include consultancy, short and professional courses, event management, conferences and trade exhibitions. 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Institute for Community Partnership aims to help the Palestinian people through continuing education, and the advancement, dissemination and utilization of knowledge in a professional manner, and the strengthening of local ties with the region and internationally. 

UNITS OF THE INSTITUTE

The Institute consists of 4 units: 

1. Core Unit providing secretarial, administrative, and financial services to the other units. It serves as a focal point for community access to University resources. The Unit also provides information on courses offered via the Institute. 
2. The Business Development Center (BDC), helping in the development of Palestinian business sector capacity and assisting with the development of new ideas for individuals, groups and organizations involved in commercial activities, empowers target groups with entrepreneurial, managerial, and technical skills; through training, counseling, and information. The Unit was established in 1989 and provides information on entrepreneurial behavior and innovative ideas. 
3. Continuing Education Unit, responsible for organizing and running all courses, workshops and seminars. 
4. Event Management Unit (Extra-mural Activities). This Unit is responsible for organizing and running social and cultural activities in the fields of art, music, entertainment, sports, leisure and discussion, as well as conferences. 

ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING

Participatory and contemporary methods are utilized for training in all fields. Following are some of the training areas covered by the Institute: 

• Enterprise Development and Promotion:
  Courses such as Start Your Own Business, Improve Your Business, Bookkeeping, Financial Management, Marketing, Selling and Budgeting. Advanced courses on secretarial skills have been offered as well. 
• Professional Courses: 
  Review courses such as the Arab Certified Public Accountant, American Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) are offered regularly. 
• Tourism and Event Management: 
  George Washington and Bethlehem University offer a program in Tourism Destination Management and Marketing Certificate (DMP), and another Certificate in Event Management (EMP). Such programs consist of a series of workshops; some are offered as regular training while others might be taken through the internet. 
• Computer Training: 
  Courses in computer use are highly popular. Courses such as Windows, Word, AutoCAD, Access, Internet, Excel, Web design are offered regularly. 
• Conferences: 
  The Institute organizes all conferences held in the University. 
• Other Activities: 
  The Institute coordinates all external activities whenever there is a need to utilize University facilities. 

TARGET GROUPS

Entrepreneurs, businesses, accountants, educators, professionals, public servants, and local community as a whole. 

Director: Mr. Hanna Nicola Sahar
Phone/Fax: + 972 (2) 274 55 59 
E-Mail: bdc@netvision.net.il