On Wednesday, 18 July 2018, Bethlehem University signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with eight Information Technology companies in Palestine.
Brother Peter Bray, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, signed the MOUs together with the representatives of the companies.
The aim was to provide software engineering students with opportunities of internships during their studies.
This was supported by the Palestinian Market Development Program (PMDP) which is funded by the UK Department for International Development and the European Union and implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of National Economy.
After welcoming the attendees, Brother Peter said that Bethlehem University was committed to serving the Palestinian people through education and responding to their needs.
He added that the University is embedded in Palestine and is not isolated on the hill. Through this collaboration, the Software Engineering Program would blend the practical aspect with the theoretical and thus provide better employment opportunities for Bethlehem University graduates.
He also thanked the PMDP for their grant to develop the program and thanked the companies who signed the MOUs.
Dr. Yahya As-Salqan, Chairman of the Palestinian Information Systems Association (PITA), commended Bethlehem University’s initiative which meets the needs and requirements of the Palestinian market.
He added that this step was considered advanced especially in terms of programs offered by Palestinian universities in the field of computer science and engineering.
Arsalan Faheem, Market Development Lead, emphasized the importance of investing in the information technology education programs. He added that the cooperation between PMDP and Bethlehem University was part of the main objectives of developing the information technology sector through improving education in local universities.
Dr. Suhail Odeh, Chairperson of the Computer Information Systems Department, said that signing the MOUs was an expression of a common interest between the higher education sector and the business sector in the information technology industry to bridge the gap between them.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr. Mazin Al-Lahham, representing the Palestinian Ministry of Communications, Bassam Jabr, Deputy Director of Education, Maher Hamdan, Director of the Palestinian Market Development Program, Dr. Michel Hanania, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University, and representatives of the eight IT companies.
