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About CDS
The Birzeit University Center for Development Studies (CDS) was established in 1997 as a research programme specializing in development studies. The Centre coordinates a number of academic research projects in the area of development with local and international institutions. It is also involved in community based projects that seek to empower marginalized groups and integrate them in the development process. The Center’s activities are supervised by a committee of academic and administrative staff members from Birzeit University who provide it with both technical and academic support. Visions and Goals The Birzeit University Center for Development Studies (CDS) provides an institutional framework within which all development-related issues pertinent to the West Bank and Gaza Strip can be considered, researched and discussed. It seeks to provide practical guidance and assistance to the relevant decision makers. To achieve its goals, the Centre:
CDS Units Palestinian Human Development Report The Palestinian Human Development Report (Palestinian Report) is produced by CDS, in close consultation with advisory groups from PNA ministries, Palestinian NGOs and other expert consultants. The Palestinian Report is the culmination of rigorous scientific research and analysis into the status of development in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) during the reporting period. It aims to assist local and international institutions in their efforts to maximise the effectiveness of their development contributions and highlights certain issues and problems that are in need of further research and attention. The Palestinian Report is published in coordination with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) and with assistance from other PNA ministries and NGOs. Funding and support is provided by the UNDP. Community Development and Training In 1999 the Centre established the Community Development Unit. The aim of this unit is to bridge the gap between research and theory, on the one hand, and tangible practical community work, on the other. By forging this link, the Centre seeks to enhance its commitment to the concept of sustainable human development in Palestine. The Community Development Unit specializes in sustainable development projects in local communities. A core philosophy of the Unit is to include the largest possible number of community members and incorporate them into a sustainable local development projects. Closely related to the Community Development Unit is the Development Education Unit which is responsible for analysing and advising on education policy. The Development Education Unit is also engaged in producing and disseminating material on:
The Centre also has a wealth of experience in the area of training. The Centre has organised a large number of specialized training courses aimed at government agencies and civil society organizations, as well as community based institutions. Research and Publications The Center conducts academic and applied research in the field of development. At the heart of the Centre is the Research Unit which is responsible for:
Opinion Polls In addition to using action and participatory approaches to research, the Centre conducts regular surveys and public opinion polls The Centre conducted its first public opinion poll in 1998 and has now completed more that 40 such polls. The Centre’s opinion polls play an important role in providing constructive information and analyses to policy and decision makers, as well as to planners. They assist the management of the development process. The Centre’s opinion polls are not just limited to political issues, but cover all aspects of Palestinian life. These polls are important as they monitor the ongoing national struggle as it unfolds side by side with the building of governmental and civil society institutions. The Centre’s polls also have the added benefit of stimulating and enriching debate within Palestinian society on various social, political and economic issues. This has a beneficial effect of encouraging a culture of democracy and motivating citizens to actively participate in public life. Media Programs The Centre’s media activities play an important role in supporting the center’s mission and philosophy. Some examples of the Centre’s media activities are:
Raise Your Voice is a radio program that discusses development issues in Palestine, and is broadcasted weekly on Voice of Palestine. It provides a forum for debate and an opportunity for Palestinians to speak out on issues of concern to them. Raise Your Voice is broadcasted in Arabic.
On 25 May, 1998 the first issue of the monthly supplement "Al-Baydar" (The Harvest) was published. Its aim is to document and analyze the Palestinian development experience from different perspectives. Although it faced by numerous technical and administrative problems, it established itself as a critical publication aimed at public awareness-raising. The monthly eight-page supplement provides articles and reports that touches on many of the grievances and concerns of the Palestinian people. Issues discussed included labour, unemployment, poverty, education, refugees, infrastructure, housing and Jerusalem. Al-Baydar also covers issues of community concern, such as health, rural development and violence in the society. It also provides a voice to marginalized regions, remote and neglected locations, and to those whose voice usually goes unheard. Palestinian Development Library The Centre has established a Development library which includes an up-to-date library and information center. The unit, created in 1998, is being expanded to become a repository for written and audio-visual references, reports, and documents that examine development issues at the local, regional and international levels. The Palestine Development Library provides research information and data to governments, NGOs and to individuals, through the resources available at the Centre itself or via its links with other Arab and international development studies centers. At present, it provides the following materials:
Furthermore, the Library contains a number of videotape, CD, and electronic resources which can be accessed electronically via the Centre’s website. The Development Library also provides the following services: |
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