Promoting Innovative Education and Social Work in Germany and Palestine

Academic and research exchange takes place between Bethlehem University and Cologne University for Applied Sciences

14 December 2007

Bethlehem and Cologne students and faculty at “Coach”, a center for young Turkish immigrants in Cologne

Students and teachers from the Bethlehem University Social Science Department and Education faculty took part in an exchange with German students and faculty hosted by the Social Science Department of Cologne University for Applied Sciences (KFH).  The purpose of the visit was to compare, evaluate and present results of joint research projects about the situation of the Palestinian and German youth.

“First time abroad”

“The trip to Germany was my first time abroad. I was impressed by the beautiful landscape, which is very different to ours, and it really was exciting to experience the daily life of our German friends,” said Rudina Najem, a Bethlehem University student with a major in Arabic Subject Area Teaching.

Most of the participants of this joint research and exchange program with KFH were also traveling abroad for the first time. This exchange, which took place from November 8 to November 17, constitutes the second meeting between Bethlehem University and KFH faculty and students during this year’s Fall semester. The first one took place in Cologne with another group in September 2007 and was led by Social Science teacher Ms. Nabila Daqqaq. As a part of the fruitful collaboration between the two universities, there has been an ongoing exchange program between the Social Science Department and KFH Cologne since 1999, while an additional program involving the Bethlehem University Education Department was initiated last year.

The group from Bethlehem University included 12 students and graduates of the Faculty of Education and the Department of Social Sciences. They were accompanied by Dr. Sami Adwan of the Bethlehem University Education Faculty, Ms. Rana Salfity of the Bethlehem University Social Sciences Department, and Dr. Inge Tiemann, Consultant at Bethlehem University for Participatory Learning. They were hosted by Prof. Dr. Joseph Freise and Dr. Eman Abu Sada, Social Science faculty at KFH Cologne, Ina Borkenstein, administrator of the exchange program, and a group of  Cologne Social Science and Education students.

Fostering innovative approaches to social work and education

One of the central aims of the student exchange program is to create innovative projects in the field of education and youth work by giving students the opportunity to learn more about the youth in both countries and about different approaches relating to education.

During the exchange program, Bethlehem and Cologne students evaluated and discussed the results of a “Comparative Research on the Educational Values Among Palestinian and German Youth.”  This joint research program undertaken by Bethlehem University’s Faculty of Education and the KFH Social Science Department.

In group interviews the students examined different aspects of life as a young Palestinian or German from varying social backgrounds, focusing on family values, religion, relationships, politics and job opportunities. One example among the results of the study is that family plays a much more central role in the life of the Palestinian youth than for the German youth. In many ways, this relationship determines the behavior of the young people in Palestine, while in Germany parents were more likely to be found as playing the role of good friends.

“Inside Out” is the title of another project Bethlehem University students of the Social Science Department introduced during the visit. This project focuses on the condition of Palestinian youth grappling with physical and psychological borders. “In the first stage of the project the students shared feelings they connect to the restrictions and limitations they face. After clearly describing and analyzing them they expressed themselves through photography and poetry,” Rana Salfity, a Social Science faculty member at Bethlehem University said. Having learned how to use those means of expression, they will engage other people, such as the residents of refugee camps, in the project. The final results of the project, which is still in its beginning stages, will be presented in an interactive exhibition.

Also during the trip, Bethlehem University students were introduced to different exemplary education and social work projects by their German hosts. They visited a comprehensive school in Hohlweide, Colgone, where handicapped and non handicapped children attend joint lessons.   Moreover, they were informed about youth work with Christian and Muslim youngsters at the German – Turkish Islamic Association of Ehrenfeld, a part of Cologne, and discussed with young people of Turkish origin questions concerning immigration and related problems at “Coach”, an association addressing the issue. “I was impressed by the profundity of the talks between the Palestinian students and the young Turkish migrants. One could really feel that there are some similarities in the problems they face, especially concerning questions of their national and religious identity,” commented Dr Inge Tiemann, Consultant for Participatory Learning at Bethlehem University.

Rudina Najem , a Bethlehem University Education student at the comprehensive school in Hohlweide, Cologne

Making close friends in Germany

The exchange, however, did not only happen on an intellectual level, but also on a personal level. “We were very happy to meet the Germans again after their visit to Bethlehem last June. They gave us an incredibly warm welcome, invited us to their homes and did their best in helping us to experience their daily lives. We had a great time and now have close friends in Germany,” said Bethlehem University student Rawan Qattoush.

To the disappointment of all the participants, one of the Bethlehem University graduates, who planned to take part in the exchange, could not share in this unique experience. Although he already obtained an entrance visa by the German authorities, a Bethlehem University graduate from the Faculty of Education, was prevented from passing the Jordanian border by the Israeli Military. He has been detained several times in Israeli prisons on allegations which have never been proven true – and thus the Israeli Military authorities at the Jordanian border forbade him from accompanying the group to Germany.

The exchange, however, was considered a great success by all participants. “We are very thankful for the academic exchange and the extremely productive collaboration with Cologne University for Applied Sciences,” stated Ms. Rana Salfity. Dr. Sami Adwan said, that “considering its tremendous value for the students and faculty of both universities, I hope that we will realize many further joint projects in the future.”

Find a German article about the exchange on the Homepage of the Catholic University for Applied Sciences Cologne

http://www.kfhnw.de/koeln/aktuelles/sp_auto_12716.php