Launch and signing of agreements for the project to enhance the inclusion and resilience of local communities in the West Bank.

QADER for Community Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, organized a workshop on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, to launch the "Enhancing Inclusion and Resilience of Local Communities in the West Bank" project and sign partnership agreements with local authorities in the city of Hebron. The event was attended by His Excellency the Minister of Local Government, the Director General of Local Government in Hebron, a representative from Hebron Governorate, heads and representatives of partner municipalities, directors and representatives from local government departments, social development, education, labor, and the President of the General Union of Persons with Disabilities in Hebron Governorate.

Ms. Lana Bandak, the General Director of QADER for Community Development, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of strengthening the resilience of local communities, especially given the difficult circumstances faced by Palestinian society due to occupation. She pointed out the crucial role played by civil society organizations in providing essential services, organizing local initiatives, and raising community awareness. She added that the signing of these agreements with local authorities is aimed at enhancing the social, economic, and political participation of persons with disabilities, and that QADER is proud of these partnerships which support the community and strengthen its resilience on its land.

In his speech, Dr. Sami Hajjawi, Minister of Local Government, confirmed that the Ministry is working to enhance the role of community development, with a focus on persons with disabilities and providing them with appropriate services. He called on local authorities to implement the ministry's policies and directives in this regard, monitor the implementation of accessibility measures in all projects and licenses, and ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their activities and plans. He also emphasized the ministry's commitment to this issue and its openness to collaborate with all stakeholders and civil society organizations to achieve development.

Eng. Rawan Shawar, the project manager, presented the key achievements of the first phase of the project, while Mr. George Mansour, Program Manager at QADER, provided an overview of the goals and interventions for the second phase of the project, which will continue until the end of 2027. This was followed by interventions from heads and representatives of the partner municipalities, who highlighted the significant impact of the interventions completed during the first phase and expressed their eagerness to continue the partnership, recognizing its importance to their local communities.

It is worth noting that QADER is implementing the "Enhancing Inclusion and Resilience of Local Communities in the West Bank" project in partnership with CBM International and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in the towns of Samou', Dhahiriyah, Tarqumiyah, Idna, Beit Olla, Beit Kahil, Surif, Beit Ummar, Bani Naim, Sa'ir, and Ash-Shuyukh in Hebron Governorate, as well as Tuqu' and Al-Ubeidiya in Bethlehem Governorate, and the cities of Salfit and Kafr Deek in Salfit Governorate.

The project aims to strengthen local capacities in the field of inclusive community development and enhance community accountability, particularly led by youth, both male and female, within a comprehensive approach that seeks to increase the social and economic participation of persons with disabilities. The project involves implementing principles and practices of accountability towards local authorities and official institutions in their responsibilities and commitments to persons with disabilities, thereby contributing to improving their quality of life.