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NEWSLETTER N.9
June 2008
Consulate General of Italy
in Jerusalem
EDITOR IN CHIEF AND DATA COLLECTION
Laura Sgreccia
Communication Officer
sgreccia@itcoop-jer.org
EDITING ADVISOR
Ibrahim Matar
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Chiara Fantini
UTL JERUSALEM
COVER PHOTO
2 Mujeer Eddin Street, Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem
Monica Biancardi
Tel. + 972 - 2 - 5327447 - Fax + 972 - 2 - 5322904
NEWSLETTER n.9
15 Agriculture:
Start up of land development project
Pag.
2 Letter from Luciano Pezzotti, the new Italian Consul General
in Jerusalem 16 Education:
Masters on Social Sciences and Humanitarian Affairs
3 Two Missions from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to move Opening Session of Second Edition
forward Italian interventions
17 Education:
5 Private Sector: ICT to support Teaching and Learning Methods
Italy finances € 5.5 million contract to SELCo
Palestinian utility for the distribution of electricity in the South of 18 Education:
the West Bank Building Professional competences for educational, didactic
and organizational innovation in the Palestinians Schools
6 Health:
Inauguration of the Northern Wing at Hebron Governmental 19 Gender:
Hospital (Princess Alia) Capacity Building for the Staff of
MoWA Awarding ceremony at Birzeit University
8 Health
Laparoscopy and mini-invasive surgery at Hebron and Shifa 20 Cultural Heritage Workshop
Hospital Conservation and Enhancement of Cultural Heritage
A Cooperation Journey through the Palestinian Territories and
9 Emergency GAZA Jordan
Italy organizes a humanitarian convoy of medical supplies to the
Gaza Strip 23 Communicating the Cooperation
Italian Cooperation promotes News Corners at “All For Peace
10 Emergency GAZA Radio Station”
New Emergency support to health Facilities in Gaza Strip
24 Theatre and Multimedia Arts:
10 Emergency WEST BANK Instruments for Peace (TAM) Summer training course for youth
Dr. Ereqat praises Italian assistance to the Palestinian People interested in theatre professions in the Palestinian Territories
Sharing News
bron and the introduction of new mini-invasive surgical techniques as
examples of the support given to the Palestinian Ministry of Health,
The Italian commitment to the development of a quality education
in the Education Sector, is demonstrated by the opening of the sec-
ond edition of Masters Program on Social Sciences and Humanitar-
The Italian Cooperation Office of the Consulate General of Italy in ian Affairs, and the introduction of Information and Communication
Jerusalem under the direction of Mr. Gianandrea Sandri is pleased Technology (ICT) to support teaching and learning methods at the
to publish the Newsletter No 9, covering the four months period Feb- primary and secondary schools level.
ruary-May, 2008. The Capacity building Training Course for 50 of the staff of the Min-
The NEWS we SHARE with our readers and counterparts in this is- istry of Women’s Affairs is another significant initiative to support the
sue is an updating both on the Italian Cooperation continuous emer- good governance on gender related issues.
gency and humanitarian interventions for the provision of essential The Italian support, in the domain of Economic Development, to the
social services to the most deprived population of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian private sector is illustrated by the signing of a Euro 5.5
West Bank, and our engagement in support of the development and Million contract for electricity distribution equipment between the Pal-
reform efforts of the Palestinian National Authority. estinian utility Southern Electric Company (SELCo) and an Italian
Prominence is given to the missions undertaken to the Palestinian supplier Tratos financed by the Italian Euro 33 million credit line to
Territories by Heads of Offices and technical experts at the Italian the Palestinian energy sector.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to move forward Italian interventions in
line with the goals and objectives of the Palestinian Reform and As a mean of economic sustenance for thousands of rural families,
Development Plan (PRDP) for the period 2008-2010 and to follow the strengthening of good practices and competences in Olive cul-
through on the new Italian pledge of Euro 80 million made at the ture and the support to land reclamation in the Southern West Bank
December 2007 Paris Donors’ Conference. are good examples of interventions the Italian Cooperation is suc-
cessfully carrying out in Agriculture, the third largest employer In
The Italian Cooperation, consistent with its long-term experience Palestine.
in the Palestinian Territories, has allocated the Italian Government Media, Culture, and Communication initiatives are also documented
resources to the priority sectors where Italy has already a compara- in this issue.
tive advantage. Italy’s development efforts to achieve growth in the Concerning development Cooperation in Jordan, a responsibility
Palestinian economy, focus on Social Development in the sectors of since June 2007 of the Italian Cooperation Office in Jerusalem, we
Health, Education, Cultural Heritage, Gender; and Economic Devel- report the news on a significant contribution of the Italian Govern-
opment in the Private Sector, Agriculture, Water and Industry. ment to support Jordanian SMEs in the textile and Clothing sector.
I wish all the readers a good reading.
In this newsletter, in the framework of the ongoing initiatives to en-
hance the overall capacity for health service delivery, we report on Laura Sgreccia
the inauguration of the Northern Wing of Princess Alia Hospital in He- Communication and Documentation Officer
Pag. 1
NEWSLETTER n.9
I am honored to have the opportunity to introduce myself through the It will be an honor for me to share with you all readers, counterparts,
current edition of the Quarterly Bulletin of our Cooperation Office. beneficiaries and stakeholders committed to the best possible future
for the Palestinian Territories alike the exciting and challenging years
I took up my new post as Consul General of Italy in Jerusalem last that lie ahead.
February. In the short time since I started acting in this capacity, the Luciano Pezzotti
Middle Eastern region has undergone many changes in outlook. A Consul General of Italy in Jerusalem
new round of challenges is now facing all those involved. The inter-
national meeting of Annapolis, the Paris Conference, during which
Donor Countries pledged their financial assistance to the Palestinian
People, the meeting to be held in Berlin as well as the continuing ev-
eryday efforts of the International Community, engaged at all levels,
have all been, and will continue to be, crucial in ensuring that support
to the ongoing peace process in the Region be assured.
In this view, the field work undertaken by the Italian Cooperation
through our Office in Jerusalem and through the joint initiatives of
our NGOs and the Local Authorities all play a complementary and,
indeed, vital role to our country’s foreign policy in the region.
The main objective of all the Italian initiatives is to improve the living
conditions of the Palestinian people while setting the ground for a
future, sustainable development.
During the course of these last months, I held meetings with the tech-
nical staff of the Italian Cooperation Office and with more than 40
representatives of the Italian NGOs working on important projects
throughout the Palestinian Territories. I have thus acquired an over-
view of the Italian efforts and on the ground resources as well as of
the difficulties to be overcome.
As you will read in the news items contained in this bulletin, our en-
deavor to alleviate the humanitarian conditions of the population in
the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank will remain high. Our Coop-
eration’s priority initiatives in both areas will be aimed at supporting
a sustainable economic and social development as set out by the
Palestinian Development and Reform Plan for 2008-2010.
Pag.2
NEWSLETTER n.9
First Mission
Jerusalem April 7-11, 2008 - A delegation The mission also reviewed with Dr. Khouloud
consisting of Councilor, Pierfrancesco D’eibis, Minister for Women’s Affairs, the op-
Zazo, head of the Central Technical Unit erations of the Mehwar Center for protection
(UTC) and Councilor, Antonello De Riu, of women in distress in Bethlehem.
head of the Middle East Office (Office III), In order to coordinate Italian future strate-
accompanied by their respective experts gies, the delegation exchanged views with
of the Directorate General for Coopera- the representatives of the International donor
tion and Development (DGCS), concluded community, UN Organizations, Palestinian
on April 11th a one week working visit to the and Israeli civil society institutions and with
Palestinian Territories. the Italian NGOs implementing programs
The purpose of the mission was to share vi- funded by the Italian Government.
sion with the Palestinian counterparts on the Talks were held also with the representative
desirable initiatives to be implemented by of the Italian Cooperation in Jordan to be
the Italian Cooperation, in line with the goals updated on ongoing projects and potential
and objectives of the Palestinian Reform future programs in Jordan.
and Development Plan (PRDP) and the Ital- The delegation expect that the discus-
ian pledges undertaken at the Paris Donors sions held during their mission with all the
Conference on December, 2007. stakeholders will open the way for formu-
The delegation accompanied by Mr. Gianan- lation of projects to be funded by Italy in
drea Sandri, the Director of Italian Coopera- line with its pledge made in the Paris Do-
tion in Jerusalem, held fruitful talks with Dr. nor Conference.
Samir Abdallah, the Minister of Planning,
and Dr. Cairo Arafat, the Director General of
Aid Management and Coordination.
Dr. Abdallah, recognizing the long-lasting
commitment of the Italian Government,
encouraged the Italian representatives to
allocate resources to the priority sectors
where Italy has a comparative advantage.
Italy’s development efforts focus on So-
cial Development in the sectors of Health,
Education, Cultural heritage and gender,
on Economic Development in the private
sector, water and agriculture. Gender
and Good Governance are considered
crosscutting issues..
The delegation met later in Ramallah Dr.Fathi
Abu Mughli the Minister of Health, who praised
the Italian role in leading donors’ aid coordina-
tion in the health sector and in supporting the
reform of the Palestinian Public Health System.
Pag. 3
NEWSLETTER n.9
Second Mission
Jerusalem, April 16-23 A second delegation from the Emergency
Office (Office VI) at the DGCS, headed by Mr. Rocco Mandolla came
to the Palestinian Territories to monitor the ongoing emergency inter-
ventions being realized by the Emergency Department of the Italian
Cooperation Office. Italian emergency funds are allocated to allevi-
ate the hardships and urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian
People in West Bank and Gaza.
Pag. 4
NEWSLETTER n.9
Private Sector
Italy finances € 5.5 million contract
to SELCo
Palestinian utility for the distribution of electricity in the
South of the West Bank
On Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at the premises of the Palestinian The development objective of the ESIMP is to benefit electricity
Southern Electricity Company (SELCo) in Dura, Hebron District, the consumers, predominantly households, through sustainable
signing of the contract took place for SELCo II contract 04/2005, improvements in the quality of electricity supply. The objec-
between SELCo and the Italian company Tratos Cavi S.p.A. The tive is to be achieved through fundamental power sector insti-
ceremony enjoyed the presence of Dr. Omar Kittaneh, Chairman of tutional reforms, implemented in parallel with the reinforce-
the Palestinian Energy and Natural Resource Authority (PENRA), ment and rehabilitation of the power distribution system in the
Mr. Luciano Pezzotti, Consul General of Italy in Jerusalem and Dr Central and Southern regions of the West Bank.
Hussein Al A’araj the Governor of Hebron. In his speech, the Italian Consul General, Mr. Luciano Pezzotti, ex-
SELCo II contract 04/2005, for a total amount of € 5.5 million, pressed to SELCo his appreciation for the significant improvements
entails the supply of “Distribution Equipment, Transformers that the project achieved in regard to the performance of the util-
and Poles”. The project falls within a more comprehensive initiative ity, attributed to a large extent to the institutional strengthening and
called Electric Sector Investment Management Program (ESIMP), network rehabilitation efforts. The Consul General encouraged the
financed jointly with the World Bank and European Investment Bank rapid implementation of the new contract in order to meet the primary
(EIB.) needs of the people living in the Southern region of the West Bank.
The total contribution of the Italian Government to the ESIMP is € Mr. Pezzotti confirmed the Italian commitment towards the ES-
33.5 million as a Credit Line to the Palestinian Authority represented IMP Program as a result of the priority that the Italian Govern-
by the Palestinian Ministry of Finance for on lending to the Central ment is giving to the energy sector in the Palestinian Territo-
and Southern West Bank electric utilities: mainly the Jerusalem ries, a key element for the economic growth.
District Electricity Company (JDECo) the Hebron Power Company From his side Dr. Kittaneh expressed his gratitude to the Italian Gov-
(HEPCO) and the Southern Electricity Company (SELCO). The ernment for its keenness in assisting the Palestinian people over dif-
amount allocated to SELCo is € 14,069,653 million. ficult years. Dr. Kittaneh especially regarded the Italian Program as
The contract in question is the last of the three packages that have a significantly valuable support to the development strategy of the
been included in SELCo’s procurement Plan. The ongoing SELCo’s Palestinian Government. The Italian contribution to the restruc-
contracts financed by the Italian credit Line are: turing of the power sector is in fact, in line with the Palestinian
Authority’s Letter of Power Sector Development Policy, which
1. Contract SELCo 02/2002 for € 8 million includes financing electric utilities that are separated from their
2. Contract SELCo 03/2003 for € 750.000 parent municipal councils.
Pag. 5
NEWSLETTER n.9
Health
Inauguration of the Northern Wing
at Hebron Governmental Hospital
(Princess Alia)
The first phase of the project included the construction of the first
two floors (ground and first floors) of the Northern Wing with an area
of approximately 4,840 square meters. It also included a technical
assistance and capacity building component, provided by the Istituto
Superiore di Sanitá (Italian National Institute for Health), aimed at
improving the management of health services at Hebron Hospital
and Hebron District.
Pag. 6
NEWSLETTER n.9
For this reason Italy, in its role as the Shepherd of the donor com-
munity in the health sector, is consolidating its support to the Pales-
tinian Ministry of Health by committing significant resources for the
strengthening of health services in the Hebron District.
Pag. 7
NEWSLETTER n.9
Health
Laparoscopy and mini-invasive surgery
at Hebron and Shifa Hospitals
In the Framework of the Program to Support Health Sector
in the Palestinian Territories (PAST)
The Italian Cooperation, in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Strengthening managerial aspects in Hospitals represents one posi-
Health is keeping on strengthening the application of Laparoscopy and tive outcome of the laparoscopy project and also a significant goal of
mini-invasive surgical techniques in the Palestinian Territories, specifi- the whole PAST program.
cally at the Hospitals Princess Alia (Hebron), and Shifa (Gaza City ).
This activity is being carried out in the framework of the three year
Aid and Development program to Support the Health Sector in the
Palestinian Territories (PAST 2007-2009) with a contribution of Euro
7.2 million from the Italian Government.
One of the main outcomes of this pilot project has been the establish-
ment of a Working Group on mini-invasive surgery in Princess Alia and
Shifa Hospitals, in order to provide full support to the PAST program
in defining project’s steps and in implementing planned activities.
Dr. Mario Meinero -General Secretary of the Italian Society for Lap-
aroscopy Surgery and Mini-Invasive surgical techniques, and one of
the pioneer professionals to bring these techniques in Europe- par-
ticipated in a number of operations. This allowed him to assess the
need of disposables, instruments and up to date equipment, prompt-
ly purchased through the Emergency funds made available from the
Italian Cooperation Office in Jerusalem/Emergency department.
Pag.8
NEWSLETTER n.9
Emergency GAZA
Italy organizes a humanitarian convoy
of medical supplies to the Gaza Strip
On March 17, 2008, an Italian humanitarian convoy with essen- the quality of Palestinian health services and provided support in
tial medical and surgical disposables entered Gaza Strip as coordinating the activities of the donor community.
an emergency intervention to supply hospitals in shortage of
drugs and surgical supplies. This will allow hospitals to con-
tinue functioning and serving the medical needs of the patients
in the current situation of humanitarian crisis.
Pag. 9
NEWSLETTER n.9
Emergency GAZA
New Emergency support to health
Facilities in Gaza Strip
In May, 2008 Italy allocated an emergency contribution of € one million Palestinians, in 490 cities and rural villages.
280.000 to be administered by the Italian Cooperation Office in The PMRS medical centers will be provided with medicines and
Jerusalem /Emergency Department, to alleviate the deteriorat- medical disposables. Furthermore a number of patients in need of
ing health conditions in Gaza Strip. specialized treatments will be referred through this initiative to medi-
cal care outside the Gaza Strip. Vulnerable households will benefit
Part of the Italian Government grant amounting to € 180,000 will be from the distribution of emergency kits.
directly executed by the Italian Cooperation Office for the purchase
of essential drugs and pharmaceuticals, health equipments and
medical disposables to help the health clinics in the Strip to meet
the demands of the most deprived population, especially women,
children and infants.
Pag. 10
NEWSLETTER n.9
Pag. 11
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Pag. 12
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Agriculture
Training courses in Palestinian
Territories & Italy
Promoted by the Quality Olive Oil Project
Training in Palestine
During the period from March 3rd to the 18th, 2008, a training
course for the “Analysis of olive oil for laboratory technicians”
was held at the Center for Environmental & Occupational Health
Sciences (CEOHS) at Bir Zeit University. The course is one of the
activities to be realized under the Pilot Project for the “Production of
high quality olive oil”, a three year program 2007-2010 implemented
by the Italian Agricultural Institute for Overseas (IAO) and funded by
the Italian Government for an amount of Euro 1.1 million.
Pag. 13
NEWSLETTER n.9
Campaign on organic olive production instructions on organic olive production which were shared with all
olive growers beneficiaries of the project. These efforts transmitted
In early February, 2008 the Italian Cooperation Office (Communi- in communication and awareness campaigns are in line with one of
cation Department) in close collaboration with IAO and the Center the main objectives of the Italian Program which entails the export of
for Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences of the Bir Zeit the Palestinian Olive Oil to the International markets channeling at an
University conducted an awareness campaign aimed both at giving international level the image of Palestine.
information on the Italian initiative and at providing indications on
how to improve olive culture through prevention from the hazards
posed by indiscriminate use of pesticides.
Pag. 14
NEWSLETTER n.9
Agriculture
Start up of land development project
Early March, 2008 witnessed the start up of the two year Land 5-Generation of 70,000 workdays benefiting 1000 families.
Development Project for the Southern West Bank, Hebron and In addition to the above physical outputs, the software part of the
Bethlehem Districts, funded by the Italian Cooperation for the project will include training of the human resources involved at every
amount of Euro 2,199,474, administered by the UNDP and in level in the sector of land reclamation and the elaboration of a com-
collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. Sub-contract prehensive land suitability map for land reclamation in the hilly and
agreements were signed with six Palestinian NGOs’ working in the mountainous area of the West Bank, excluding the Jordan valley.
field of Agricultural Development: for the implementation of activities It is worth noting that Italy considers the agriculture and water sec-
planned for the first year of 2008. tors a priority. For the period 2008 to 2010, Italy allocated the amount
The generic name of Land reclamation includes removal of stones of Euro 25 million for agricultural and water development in the con-
and rocks, either manually or by heavy machinery, constructing of text of the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP). Pre-
retaining walls and terracing, installation of irrigation systems, open- liminary steps are already underway to formulate and identify project
ing of access agricultural roads and planting of trees. activities in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and
The goal of the Italian contribution is to generate employment, Donor Community.
reduce poverty and improve the social and living conditions of
the target rural population. The project purpose is to increase
the area of cultivation, and increase income of the farmers.
The expected outputs at the end of the second year of the life of the
project comprise the following:
1-2000 dunums of land reclaimed and planted with appropriate
plants that have no marketing problems and benefiting 400 families.
2-Planting no less than 120,000 of fruit plants of suitable variet-
ies that meet the needs of the local and export markets and do not
confront marketing problems.
3-Constructing no less that 100 underground cisterns with a
total capacity of 10,000 cubic meters to collect run-off rainfall for
farmers enduring from the problem of lack of supply of complemen-
tary irrigation water for their fields or for drinking purposes to their
animals.
4-Opening and rehabilitation of no less than 50kms of agricul-
tural roads to facilitate access to the farmers to their land and mar-
keting of agriculture products.
Pag. 15
NEWSLETTER n.9
Education
Masters on Social Sciences
and Humanitarian Affairs
Opening Session of Second Edition
The purpose of the one day seminar was to present the structure
and curriculum of the academic year 2008/2009 to the sixteen Israeli
and Palestinian graduate students participating in the Program. The
first Semester will extend from May to September, 2008, to be fol-
lowed by an intensive period in Rome at la Sapienza from November
Pag. 16
NEWSLETTER n.9
Education
ICT to support Teaching and
Learning Methods
In the Framework of the Program to Support to the
Palestinian Education (SPEP)
138 teachers from primary and secondary schools of Nablus tivities aimed at increasing the pedagogical use of ICT in the class-
Governorate benefited at An-Najah University from training on rooms, and the proper training for the transfer of skills and compe-
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve tences to the teachers.
their teaching methodologies at the classroom level and en- The pioneering experience of introducing ICT to support teach-
hance students’ performance. ing and learning methods in schools in Nablus area was con-
The activity falls within the framework of the educational process ducted at An-Najah University where the SPEP and University
of school development for self improvement promoted by the Italian teams worked together to support the Self improvement of the
initiative Support to the Palestinian Education Program (SPEP), teachers engaged in the schools. Diagnostic tests were conduct-
funded by the Italian Government with a contribution of US$ ed in the schools to classify the main problems and weaknesses in
7,000,000 and implemented by UNDP/PAPP, in collaboration the student learning processes mainly in the subjects of English and
with the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Educa- Arabic Languages, Math, Science, and Geography.
tion (MoEHE). In parallel the ICT training for the 138 teachers was held at the Uni-
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the main versity computer labs, and the teachers are now using the skills they
technical assistance components included in the SPEP which aims gained to develop and improve their teaching methodologies at the
at enhancing -in 24 pilot schools, 4 Districts and 4 Universities in classroom level.
the Palestinian Territories- the role of the school as a development For example, the internet program Google Earth has been used by
unit, as the main player for the self-improvement of the education teachers to enrich their teaching methods and to facilitate the student
system. performances in reading maps and in better understanding the ge-
Thanks to technical inputs provided by the Italian University of Bo- ography of the world. Positive outcomes are being registered both in
logna, partner in the projects, within each of the four Palestinian terms of students’ performances and teachers’ motivations.
Universities involved -namely An-Najah (Nablus), BirZeit (Ramallah) The Italian Cooperation Office is monitoring the day to day imple-
Bethlehem and Al-Azhar (Gaza City)- an ICT focal point has been mentation of all the components of the program with the aim of con-
nominated in consultation with the District Offices of the MoEHE and tributing to the development of a quality education in the Palestinian
the SPEP team. The ICT expert is in charge of identifying the ac- Territories.
Pag. 17
NEWSLETTER n.9
Education
Building Professional competences
in education and didactics
in the Palestinian Schools
The course was carried out in the framework of the Italian project
“Building Professional competences in education for the ap-
plying of innovative teaching and learning methods in Palestin-
ian schools” co-funded by the Italian Government and imple-
mented by the Italian NGO CIC (Crocevia) in cooperation with
the local counterpart Al-Mawrid Teacher Development Center
(TDC).
The main objective of this three years project, being implemented
in the schools of the Governorates of Jenin, Nablus and Hebron, is
circumstances -low salaries, lack of organization and infrastructures,
the upgrading of school curricula bringing about new teaching/learn-
violence.
ing methodologies, through dedicated training and seminars to the
The Psycho-pedagogical approach and the introduction of new
teachers and professors.
teaching/learning methodologies in the classrooms to face dis-
Issues such as environment education; awareness on democracy
comfort, panic attacks or depression, can help to contain problems
and human rights; understanding of the value of cultural heritage,
teachers and students might come across, and even prevent their
and of the importance of a healthy school environment are being
occurrence within the society.
introduced in the schools’ curricula by mean of new integrated and
interactive teaching methodologies.
The empowerment and upgrading of the education system for the
In particular, the course just being concluded, was carried out by
development of a right and democratic civil society is the strength of
Dr. Antonio de Lucia of the Italian “Istituto di terapia psico-corporea”
this pilot successful initiative .
(Institute of Body-Psychotherapy of Rome), and mainly focused on
providing teachers and professors with appropriate skills and meth-
odologies to manage disruptive behaviors and trauma based on
conflict, commonly affecting the Palestinian school community.
Pag. 18
NEWSLETTER n.9
Gender
Capacity Building for the Staff of MoWA
Awarding ceremony at Birzeit University
Pag. 19
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Pag. 20
NEWSLETTER n.9
It is worth mentioning that since last June, the Italian Cooperation tage of the Region and portraits of its inhabitants. The exhibition,
Office in Jerusalem was given the new assignment to be responsible capturing the authentic beauty of architectural masterpieces perfect-
also of cooperation affairs in Jordan. ly set in their natural habitats and the verve of ancient traditions, will
be taken around throughout the Palestinian territories by the Italian
The two days of works, designed in four sessions, delved into the Cooperation office in Jerusalem.
cooperation experiences for the enhancement of cultural heritage
and emphasized mainly the following themes: The photographs were also collected in a publication by the Italian
- Value of training and building of competences for the preser- Cooperation Office.
vation of the invaluable historical inheritance in the Region;
- Importance of increasing cultural awareness among the popu- A documentary film was circulated during the workshop real-
lation through the implementation of significant architectural ized by Soul Movie Entertainment Italia on the Cooperation
interventions for the rehabilitation and reuse of historical resi- Journey through the sites where the Italian interventions took
dential buildings in old cities and place throughout the Palestinian Territories and Jordan.
- Substance of cultural heritage as a source for sustainable de- The seminar was made possible thanks to the contributions of two
velopment. Italian Cooperation Initiatives: “Program for the Coordination of
the NGOs activities” in light of the numerous projects promoted
A striking guided Tour at Hisham`s Palace in Jericho was orga- through Italian NGOs in the sector of cultural heritage and “Com-
nized by the Directorate of Site Management and Restoration of municating the Cooperation” the communication project aimed at
the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and antiquities. The Italian informing and growing awareness on the Italian Cooperation com-
achievements in cultural cooperation were acknowledged in this site mitment in the Palestinian Territories.
through the realization of a prominent intervention for the Conserva-
tion of mosaics. The proceedings of the workshop will be soon be published and cir-
culated.
On this occasion the photographic exhibition ”A journey
through images” by the Italian photographer Monica Biancardi
was inaugurated, presenting 30 photo shoots on the cultural heri-
Pag. 21
NEWSLETTER n.9
Pag. 22
NEWSLETTER n.9
The Italian Cooperation through its project “Communicating the The Italian Office for Development Cooperation is committed through
Cooperation” is contributing to sponsor the short informative communication activities to inform and raise public awareness on the
“News Corners”, a program of “All for Peace Radio station”. Italian projects and interventions in the Palestinian Territories.
The “News Corners” of radio All for Peace will help the Italian Co-
Radio All for Peace is an independent radio station based on a joint operation in its effort to support the Palestinian People and promote
and co-operative Israeli-Palestinian teamwork to provide its listeners mutual understanding.
with comprehensive explorations into peace and civil society related
issues. Its schedule offers both Arabic and Hebrew broadcasts, as
well as a few in English, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Through its talk shows and news corners “Radio All for Peace” pro-
vides also a platform for organizations to contribute their efforts to
promote dialogue and increase the visibility and impact of their inter-
ventions and resources committed on the ground.
The collaboration with “Radio all for Peace” started with the idea
of sustaining the important role of this media working in parallel to
contribute to foster mutual understanding by empowering the civil
society and tackling issues of social interest while communicating
the Italian Cooperation commitment for development in the Palestin-
ian Territories.
Pag. 23
NEWSLETTER n.9
The Italian Cooperation Office in Jerusalem, in collaboration auditions the 30 selected youths will be divided into two classes.
with The Palestinian National Theatre – El Nuhza Hakawati Morning and evening sessions will take place with Palestinian and
(PNT) and the Ente Teatrale Italiano (ETI) are organizing a 3 Italian trainers all summer through.
months summer training on theatre professions – acting, dra- The Italian Cooperation is supporting, for the first time, the develop-
maturgy, elements of stage and lighting design, technical skills ment of theater arts with a goal of promoting intercultural dialogue,
and dance- for 30 youths ages 16 to 24 years. peace and notions of national and international cultural identity, is-
sues that apply to contemporary Jerusalem.
The initiative falls into an Italian pilot project in the cultural field named
-Theatre and Multimedia Arts: Instruments for Peace (TAM)-
aimed at sustaining the cultural activities promoted by the Palestinian
National Theatre in East Jerusalem while increasing among Palestin-
ian youths sensibility towards integration, cultural dialogue, human
rights and peace, by the means of Theater and Performance arts.
The Important participation of the Italian Association for Theater
(ETI) and the involvement of the Italian Director Gabriele Vacis and
of the actor Glen Blackhall in the training sessions, particularly con-
note this project with an inter-cultural tone bringing together the Pal-
estinian and the Italian experiences in this art.
From its side the PNT, funded in 1984, is the greatest cultural in-
stitution of East Jerusalem. By adhering to this Italian initiative, the
Theater opened to a new opportunity to promote the contemporary
Palestinian culture within and outside the Palestinian Territories,
mainly in Italy, and to improve its theater productions and manage-
ment abilities working together with ETI.
The TAM project consists of a three months training in theater pro-
fessions and a three months production phase (for more detailed
information: www.itcoop-jer.org or write to tam@itcoop-jer.org).
Gabriele Vacis, a renowned name in the theater-international scene
- actor, author of theater essays, promoter and director of numerous
Theater Festivals- came last February to Jerusalem to help in iden-
tifying the Palestinian professional artists who will train the aspirant
youths. At the end of April 2008, 6 Palestinian trainers left to Italy
to join a dedicated seminar at the “InTeatro di Polverigi” the Italian
Theater Association of Marche Region, to elaborate efficient and ap-
propriate teaching methodologies.
Pag. 24
NEWSLETTER n.9
Pag. 25
NEWSLETTER n.9
Remembering
Francesca Onofri
The Italian Cooperation Office in Jerusalem remembers the col- the Palestinian Territories with her colleagues from the DGCS in the
league Francesca Onofri, expert at the Central Technical Unit (UTC) month of April, 2008.
of the Directorate General for Cooperation and Development (DGCS) This was once again an occasion for all of us to learn from her expe-
at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. rience and approach to development work.
Throughout the years Francesca shared her exemplary enthusiasm We will remember Francesca through this image which portrays her
and dedication to the Development Cooperation with all of us, her and her devotion to the Palestinian people and more in general to
friends and the people she served all over the world. solidarity with the poorest.
The strength of her convictions and the rigor of her work have been
an important evidence also during the last Mission she undertook to Gianandrea Sandri
Pag. 26
The Italian Cooperation NewsLetter is also available on our Web Site:
http://www.itcoop-jer.org
e-mail: utl@itcoop-jer.org
Reference links:
Ilaria Cooperazione
http://www.ilariacooperazione.it/
Dr. Mario Meinero, Secretary General of the Italian Society for Laparoscopy Surgery
Alessandra Rossi, Rappresentative of NGO AISPO
Daniela Riva, Rappresentative of NGO GVC
Giulia Franchi, Rappresentative of NGO CIC
UTL JERUSALEM 2 Mujeer Eddin Streer, Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem. Tel. +972-2-5327447 - Fax. +972-2-5322904