Bethlehem University’s Institute for Community Engagement & Partnership (ICP) proudly graduated 84 professionals who successfully completed the Professional Diploma in Cooperative Management alongside participants from four specialized courses offered through the AFAQ Project: Procurement in Non-Profit Organizations; Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) for Development Projects; Graphic Design; and Introduction to Hebrew Language.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Fadi Kattan emphasized Bethlehem University’s status as Palestine’s first higher-education institution and expressed gratitude to the Latin Patriarchate, represented by Mr. Sami El-Yousef, CEO, along with the Palisco Foundation, the Salesian Technical Training Center, and the entire ICP team for their shared dedication to advancing sustainable development and employment opportunities.
Mr. El-Yousef highlighted the enduring partnership with Bethlehem University and provided an overview of the AFAQ Project, which was launched in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued to provide various interventions throughout its second phase in the West Bank during the war on Gaza. He announced that Phase III will soon commence and encouraged graduates to continue investing in their professional growth.
Delivering the graduate address, Aya Sbeih affirmed that cooperatives represent “a philosophy of life that strengthens the resilience of our Palestinian community.” She praised the program’s year-long training for its practical relevance and urged her peers to champion economic justice in every sphere they serve.
This graduation event exemplifies Bethlehem University’s mission to integrate academic excellence with community engagement. Through programs like these, the university continues to equip professionals with the skills needed to address Palestine’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
