Bethlehem University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, to collaborate in training students with disabilities in Palestine to strengthen their life and employment skills in preparation for entering the job market as part of the “Salalem” project.
The MoU was signed by Brother Dr. Hernán Santos, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, and Ms. Neila Sage on behalf of Mr. Jason Knapp, the Country representative of Catholic Relief Services in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. The Institute for Community Engagement and Partnership (ICEP) at Bethlehem University will be responsible for implementing this project.
Under this MoU, training sessions will be conducted for students with disabilities to help them prepare for employment. These trainings will cover key topics essential for building life skills and job readiness, such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, networking, rights and responsibilities, job searching, résumé writing, and applying for jobs. Additionally, they will address the responsibilities and duties of both employers and employees, among other topics.
This collaboration also includes providing students with practical training opportunities in local companies, factories, and institutions to prepare them and equip them with practical experience that will enhance their chances of integration into the job market.
Ms. Sage stated, “We are very proud of this partnership, and we hope to continue working together to serve the students in the best possible way.”
Moussa Rabadi, Director of the ICEP, stated that this project is part of the university’s efforts to empower students with disabilities, noting that there are 27 students with disabilities currently enrolled at the university, who benefit from special services provided by a dedicated resource center. The university’s facilities are fully accessible for persons with disabilities.
This is the second consecutive year that this program has been implemented, which is a natural extension of the historic relationship between Bethlehem University and Catholic Relief Services in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
