MoSD & Al-Quds Open University Discuss Expanding Partnership in Field Training & Developing Social Work Professions
Ramallah – The Ministry of Social Development and Al-Quds Open University discussed on Monday ways to strengthen cooperation in field training and professional development, and expand practical training opportunities for social work students at the Ministry's directorates and centres across the West Bank. The partnership aims to develop the professional capacities of young graduates and improve the quality of social protection and care services.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Shaer, President of Al-Quds Open University; Dr. Yousef Abu Fara, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Rateb Abu Rahma, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Family Development; Ms. Faten Samhan, Director of the Public and International Relations and Media Department; and Hiba Barbar, Head of the Media Section.
Representing the Ministry were Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary for Family Care and Protection; Ashraf Al-Barghouti, Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative Development and Planning; Adnan Qatouni, Director General of Administrative Affairs; and Dr. Khalil Tannous, Director of the Social Development Directorate in Ramallah and Al-Bireh, alongside several Ministry staff members.
Ministry representatives emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, particularly Al-Quds Open University, to benefit from academic expertise and the potential of young people in supporting the social protection system.
They highlighted the need to expand field training opportunities to include additional academic disciplines, increase the number of students undertaking practical training at the Ministry's directorates and centres, and distribute trainees across governorates according to actual needs.
They noted that the Ministry is operating amid growing financial, administrative, and operational challenges, requiring stronger capacities among staff working in counselling, social care, and protection, particularly under exceptional circumstances that affect the continuity of operations and service delivery.
They also stressed the importance of engaging university students and young graduates, enabling them to gain practical experience and participate in programmes and services provided by the Ministry to the most vulnerable groups.
The meeting reviewed the Ministry's efforts to develop the social protection system, particularly the National Social Registry, which serves as a key tool for improving the targeting of families, identifying their needs, and promoting equitable access to services.
Both sides also discussed ongoing efforts to regulate and institutionalize social work professions, including developing the regulatory frameworks governing professional practice and licensing. These efforts aim to improve the competencies of professionals working in the social sector, strengthen professional standards, and enhance the quality of services provided to citizens.
Discussions also addressed the development of continuous training and professional development programmes for personnel working in counselling and social work.
In this context, participants emphasized the importance of the Social Work Programme in preparing academically and professionally qualified personnel, as well as the need to strengthen the integration of academic education and practical field experience.
This approach will enable students to acquire practical skills, work with social cases in a specialized professional environment, and benefit from the hands-on expertise available within the Ministry's institutions.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of involving students in the Ministry's programmes and community initiatives, familiarizing them with case management procedures, social referral mechanisms, and service delivery pathways, and organizing joint workshops and training sessions to facilitate knowledge exchange and develop professional and academic skills.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of building on existing cooperation and expanding its scope by increasing the number of students benefiting from field training, activating training opportunities across the West Bank's governorates, and developing joint programmes and initiatives that respond to the needs of the Ministry and the wider community.
They emphasized that these efforts will contribute to preparing a new generation of qualified social workers capable of supporting the social protection system and improving the quality of its services.