Finland Sponsors Audio-Visual Center Renovation

17 October 2006

A project that started as a small net cafe in Beit Sahour in 1998 has blossomed into an elaborate, well equipped Audio-Visual Media Center in the Bethlehem University Library over the past eight years. Tapio Kujala of Finland had a dream of helping the Palestinian people take advantage of the latest in electronic media in developing their country. He found the backing of his institution in Finland , the Diaconia University of Applied Sciences., and with the financial assistance of the government of Finland was able to develop programs and provide funds for remodeling and equipping an extensive media complex for Bethlehem University . The first phase was the conversion of a movie viewing room into a Digital Media Center with digital still and movie cameras, computers for editing multi-media programs and extensive software. Mr. Kujala’s vision continued to influence the development of the project even as he turned the project over to the capable hands of Ms. Eila Hannula, who currently is responsible for managing the program for the Finnish people. The next step was the conversion of an unused dark room into a room for teaching radio recording and audio editing techniques. Next, the videoconferencing room was completely reequipped with the latest equipment to enable Bethlehem University to connect to Gaza , the West Bank and the rest of the world via telephone links. The government of Finland and the Italian Bishops Conference contributed equally to this project.

The latest phase of this on-going development is the conversion of the space previously used as the bindery and unused washrooms into a new home for the Audio-Visual Center . A classroom for teaching radio and editing audio files is being set up as well as a broadcast-quality radio studio. The current renovation work, which will cost over $70,000, began in September 2006 is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of December. Finland will pay for the electronic equipment which will be used in these rooms once the renovation is completed.

Not only have the Finnish people graciously paid for the total conversion of the lower level of the B.U. Library and well over $100,000 worth of electronic equipment, but for the last four years they have been sending teachers for about eight weeks each year to conduct courses instructing Bethlehem University students and many other citizens of Bethlehem in the correct use of such equipment, computers and software. Bethlehem University , its staff and students are extremely grateful for the support that has made this development possible.