Education and training for building a future : evaluation of USAID/AMIDEAST human resource development programs in the West Bank and Gaza, 1978-1989

Evaluation covers the period 1978-1989. The projects have been instrumental in developing a viable system of higher education in WB/G, as well as a pool of technical and administrative talent in a wide range of areas. Continued progress is jeopardized, however, by the continuing Israeli occupation: for the second year in a row, universities and colleges remain closed by Israeli military order, although many classes continue to be held informally and on-the-job training continues. Overall, the projects have trained almost 1,000 individuals, including advanced degree training of 332 persons, U.S. short- term technical training of 259, and local training of 350. An additional 2,200 undergraduate students have received aid through grants to five local institutions. About 99% of those trained in the United States have returned to WB/G and are contributing to society there, and about 20% of those trained have been women. Faculty development has been especially successful; 45% of WB/G university faculty have received U.S. training. However, due to swelling enrollments, the ratio of advanced degree holders to students has decreased, indicating a continuing need in this area. Professional development training has increased professional competencies in wastewater treatment, science teacher training, and emergency medicine and has contributed to a proliferation of new technologies such as microcomputer applications in WB/G institutions. With respect to institutional development, over 40 individuals from 12 institutions have received short-term and graduate training in administration and management, and further training is planned. In addition, collaborative planning has been undertaken with selected institutions to address long-term personnel needs. Two other project components, business-university linkages and small business creation, are still in the early stages of implementation. The projects have sponsored eight internships and encouraged other avenues for students to gain practical work experience. About 35 participants have received short-term and degree training in business, accounting, and hotel management. A small but growing number of businesses set up by university professors are employing university students, and Bethlehem University has received assistance in developing small business support activities and joint ventures between faculty and private business. Activities under these components are expected to expand. It is recommended that AMIDEAST diversify its funding sources, provide more public administration and business training, and engage in a dialogue with those it has trained in order to rethink the future of post-secondary education and its relation to the broad development needs of WB/G.