The Palestinian Center for Peace and DemocracyRamallah - PalestineP.O.Box: 2290 RamallahTel: +970 2 2965981/2Fax: +970 2 2965983E-mail: [email protected] Site: www.pcpd.org
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Y Introduction
It’s no exaggeration to say that 2008 was amongst the most difficult and challenging years at both the national level with all the political and security challenges along with the economic and social levels.
Palestinians have not witnessed yet, throughout their contemporary history, what they have witnessed in 2008 during which risks and threats targeting the future of the Palestinian national project have reached their peak. This was the result of either the ongoing practices of the occupation that imposes facts on the ground, the internal differences that led to a state of mutual struggle and division or the deterioration of the economic situation and the increase of poverty and unemployment levels to the end of the endless list!
This Palestinian concern has not only been the core of PCPD’s focus, rather it has been the reason behind its existence as PCPD is a national and civil organization committed to the Palestinian national project and is mainly interested in political development. Thus, the events of 2008 had an immense impact on PCPD’s work during the year. Nevertheless, PCPD made an impact that this report attempts to convey.
The 2008 annual report of PCPD is a step forward towards constant communication with our people. It attempts to objectively put the spotlight on PCPD’s achievements throughout its course while confirming that a course can only be completed by people, with people, for people and among people.
Our Identity
The Palestinian Center for Peace & Democracy is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that addresses all issues related to democracy, civil society and protection of the Palestinian Human Rights as stipulated in the Palestinian Declaration of Independence of 1988. These principles are crystallized through holding lectures, conferences, workshops and training courses for all social sectors in addition to issuing leaflets and publications. Accordingly, this would reinforce the principles of transparency & accountability, promote uncensored dialogue and the acknowledgment of others, defend public freedoms, maintain human rights and empower marginalized groups in the Palestinian society. It would also mobilize the Palestinians cadres to serve
the national and democratic causes and human rights in the Palestinian society regardless of social, religious or political affiliations.
PCPD’s References
The Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy (PCPD) adopts all international agreements and conventions, particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Geneva Accords and the agreement to eradicate all forms of discrimination against women. It also seeks to realize what these agreements and conventions stipulate vis-à-vis respecting public freedoms and protecting human rights and dignity.
At the Palestinian level, PCPD adopts the Palestinian National Consensus Document; that is the Palestinian Declaration of Independence issued in 1988, which states that:
“The state of Palestine is the state for Palestinians wherever they may be. The state is for them to enjoy their collective national and cultural identity, theirs to pursue in it a complete equality of rights. In it will be safeguarded their political and religious convictions and their human dignity by means of a parliamentary democratic system of governance, itself based on freedom of expression and the freedom to form parties. The rights of minorities will duly be respected by the majority, as minorities must abide by decisions of the majority. Governance will be based on principles of social justice, equality and non-discrimination in public rights of men or women, on grounds of race, religion, colour or sex under the aegis of a constitution which ensures the rule of law and an independent judiciary. Thus shall these principles allow no departure from Palestine’s age-old spiritual and civilization heritage of tolerance and religious coexistence.”
Our Addresses
Phone # Address Office
02-2965981 PLC Cricle – Sabaat Building – 2nd Floor
Ramallah’s Office
02-2743638 Cinema – Abu ‘Ubaida Building – 8th Floor
Bethlehem’s Office
02-2505508 Abu Nidal Al-Sheeb Building –2nd Floor
Jenin’s Office
09-2684818 Amjad Badraan Building – 3rd Floor
Tulkarem’s Office
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The Family of PCPD
A- The General Assembly:The General Assembly includes 48 members
Abd Al-Karim Odeh3Abd Al-Majid Hamdan2Amin ‘Innabi1
Aql Tuqz6Ali Khalleh5 Abbas Milhem4
Ghadeer Abu Ghazaleh9 Fadwa Khader8Basma Al-Naji7
Husain Sawalha12 Haneen Zidan11Hana’ ‘Abdeen10Hashim Brahmeh15 Hilda Issa14 Hanna Amireh13
B- Board of Directors:The Board of Directors includes 7 members:
Dr. Taleb Awad – Member5 Mr. Tayseer Arouri – Chairman1Ms. Nadia Harb – Member6Ms. Fadwa Khader – vise president2
Ms.Hanin Zidan – Member7 Mr. Khalil Shiha – Treasurer3 Ms. Suna Qawud – Secretary4
C- The Executive Staff of 2008The executive staff includes:
Zuhira Tumizah – Bethlehem Area Coordinator7 Nasif Mu’alem – General Director1 Nida’ Al-Turi – Hebron Area Coordinator8Hilda Issa – Financial and Administrative Director2
Muhammad ‘Amiri – Central Area Coordinator9 Hanin Barham – Accountant3 Raya Ziyadeh – Facilitator10 Riyad Sharim – Trainer4
‘Asmahan Bushnaq – Facilitator11Husain Sawalha – Coordinator of the Northerneastern WB5
Nassar Yaqin – An Internal Auditor12 ‘Intisar Al-Salman – Coordinator of the Northwestern WB6
VisionPCPD is a Palestinian organization pioneered in the field of enhancing democracy, promoting humanitarian culture and strengthening the participation of the public and marginalized groups in the political, cultural and economic lives within the independent and modern Palestinian state in addition to promoting a culture of just peace in the Palestinian society and terminating the Israeli occupation.
MissionPCPD is a non governmental and non-profit organization working on initiating debate and discussions; providing training courses to promote the ideology, culture and values of democracy and genuine peace; empowering the target groups particularly women; building the capacities of organizations and community activists; reviving voluntary work and community participation as a means to liberate the Palestinian society from occupation and all forms of backwardness.
Respect for Human rights, tolerance towards each other, participation by all, accountability and the rule of law are the pillars on which PCPD’s work is founded.
Goal To deepen the practice of democracy and promote the culture of a just and equitable peace within the Palestinian society as a means to terminating the Israeli occupation and building a contemporary and independent Palestinian state.
ObjectivesPromoting and practicing the concepts and principles of democracy within the Palestinian society.Enhancing the concept and culture of genuine peace in the Palestinian arena as the best possible option to obtain the national rights of the Palestinians represented in establishing the independent
Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and the refugees right of return and compensation.Increasing the capacity of PCPD to implement programs in Palestinian rural areas in addition to expanding its work in urban areas.Developing the role of the youth in constructive community participation and empowering the feelings of national belonging.Empowering the Palestinian women and enhancing their political, economic and social roles.
PCPD’s Values and PrinciplesCommitting to the principles and bases of democracy as a condition for liberation and development.Promoting political commitment to the Palestinian Declaration of Independence (PDI) and adherence to genuine peace as an option to regain the legitimate Palestinian rights.Intensifying programs that target marginalized social groups out of our belief in the importance of their participation in all the activities of PCPD.Ensuring equality regardless of sex, religion and political affiliation.Commitment to transparency.Promoting pluralism, open-mindedness and respect for the opinions of others.Acknowledging the importance of building a civil society.Respecting public freedoms.Respecting human rights.Committed to teamwork.Consolidating the status of women as a requisite for development and advancement of the society.Adopting decentralization and delegation of authorities as an integral part of PCPD’s administration policy in order to encourage taking initiatives and to respond dynamically to the needs of the targeted groups.Strengthening cooperation and networking with local organizations, especially the ones that include marginalized groups in order to achieve better understanding of their needs and enable them to participate in building their own capacity through community participation and lobbying efforts.
Programs & ProjectsBased upon the principles of the strategic and scientific planning, the logical sequence of designing programs and projects in accordance with the vision, mission and goal of the organization, the five detailed goals of PCPD were envisioned and were translated on the ground through adopting five
practical programs. These programs each include a goal. At a later step, a number of projects stemmed out of each program to achieve the specific goal of that program. Subsequently, a series of various activities were planned to implement each project as shown in the following diagram:
Values & Principles
Goal: Promoting Democracy Promoting Democracy Program A series of Projects
Goal: Consolidating PalestinianPeace
Goal: Capacity Building
Goal: Youth Empowerment
Goal: Women Empowerment
Consolidating Palestinian PeaceProgram
Capacity Building Program
Youth Empowerment Program
Women Empowerment Program
A series of Projects
A series of Projects
A series of Projects
A series of Projects
Vision, Mission, Goal & Specific Objectives
Activities/ Analytical ReviewThe plan of 2008, which was endorsed by the General Assembly of PCPD, was based on the vision and mission of PCPD and on the needs of the targeted groups mainly in the Palestinian society.
The plan of 2008 was in line with the guidelines of
PCPD’s Board of Directors that called for an emphasis on the resolutions of the International Law vis-à-vis the Palestinian Cause. They especially want to put an emphasis on a Palestinian inclination towards accepting proposed alternates to replace the UN Resolutions, such as the Arab Initiative, the Road Map and Bush’s promise.
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YThe Programs and Projects of 2008The following table includes the plan of 2008 and shows the most important accomplishments:
First Program: The Civil Society & Democracy
Project Goals Activities & Performance Indicators
Achieved Impact Indicators
First: Citizenship in Participation.
Building the intellectual and professional capacity of 16 young men & women in the field of specialized training in political development.
Holding 8 TOT meetings averaging 160 hours.Implementing 160 training hours in the field by the trainees.Completing the course & graduation. Producing a specialized training manual.
Fourteen young men & women were able to undertake the facilitation and training mission,Five of the trainees were employed as part timers at PCPD.Ten trainees found employment with other organizations.
Second: The Bridges of Youth Networking.
Supporting & enabling the youth to enhance their role in advocating the general policies through opening offices for PCPD in the WB governorates.
Debate sessions with policy makers and the local PA representatives. Sessions with political parties’ representatives.Reviewing and discussing a book, Holding brainstorming sessions on priorities. Issuing a wall magazine. Holding 314 activities in all the offices.
The role of the youth became prominent in the 12th Conference on “The Ruling of the ICJ from an advisory opinion to a resolution” through their coordination efforts. Crystallizing the writing and drawing skills of the youth and moving from the wall magazine to the media in the various WB governorates. Moving from discussing & reviewing political books to intellectual books. Having wider participation in the 1st of May and the 8th of March celebrations and erecting the Return Obelisk in Hebron,Increasing the number of PCPD’s supporters group.
Third: The Democratic Course of the Left Political Parties
Developing the role of Palestinian left parties through: Improving relations with their German counterparts. Initiating serious discussions on the democratic values & social justice. Initiating dialogue to translate the democratic principles as mentioned in the parties’ literature into reality. Developing the programs & the policies of parties towards full commitment to PDI.
Twelve sessions to identify priorities. Four political training courses.A visit to the German Parliament. Meetings with German Parliament Members. Holding 4 national activities related to parties. Implementing 11 local workshops, 4 regional workshops, 4 centralized courses in addition to 8 meetings with the German experts. Eleven workshops were held with the left grassroots organizations and 4 centralized workshops on the future of left parties in Palestine in addition to completing the visit to Germany and holding 5 workshops between the delegation representatives and the left parties’ representatives.
Improving relations and cooperation among the parties participating in the project.Implementing joint mass and political activities between the parties and PCPD, such as erecting a monument for boycotting the Israeli products in Tulkarem and the Return Obelisk in Hebron & Al-Fari’ah in addition to holding workshops titled “Life Journey”. Accepting the concept of democratization by the middle leadership of parties. They proposed their opinion to their leadership and demanded unity and practical implementation of democracy among parties.
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Project Goals Activities & Performance Indicators
Achieved Impact Indicators
First: Citizenship in Participation.
Building the intellectual and professional capacity of 16 young men & women in the field of specialized training in political development.
Holding 8 TOT meetings averaging 160 hours.Implementing 160 training hours in the field by the trainees.Completing the course & graduation. Producing a specialized training manual.
Fourteen young men & women were able to undertake the facilitation and training mission,Five of the trainees were employed as part timers at PCPD.Ten trainees found employment with other organizations.
Second: The Bridges of Youth Networking.
Supporting & enabling the youth to enhance their role in advocating the general policies through opening offices for PCPD in the WB governorates.
Debate sessions with policy makers and the local PA representatives. Sessions with political parties’ representatives.Reviewing and discussing a book, Holding brainstorming sessions on priorities. Issuing a wall magazine. Holding 314 activities in all the offices.
The role of the youth became prominent in the 12th Conference on “The Ruling of the ICJ from an advisory opinion to a resolution” through their coordination efforts. Crystallizing the writing and drawing skills of the youth and moving from the wall magazine to the media in the various WB governorates. Moving from discussing & reviewing political books to intellectual books. Having wider participation in the 1st of May and the 8th of March celebrations and erecting the Return Obelisk in Hebron,Increasing the number of PCPD’s supporters group.
Third: The Democratic Course of the Left Political Parties
Developing the role of Palestinian left parties through: Improving relations with their German counterparts. Initiating serious discussions on the democratic values & social justice. Initiating dialogue to translate the democratic principles as mentioned in the parties’ literature into reality. Developing the programs & the policies of parties towards full commitment to PDI.
Twelve sessions to identify priorities. Four political training courses.A visit to the German Parliament. Meetings with German Parliament Members. Holding 4 national activities related to parties. Implementing 11 local workshops, 4 regional workshops, 4 centralized courses in addition to 8 meetings with the German experts. Eleven workshops were held with the left grassroots organizations and 4 centralized workshops on the future of left parties in Palestine in addition to completing the visit to Germany and holding 5 workshops between the delegation representatives and the left parties’ representatives.
Improving relations and cooperation among the parties participating in the project.Implementing joint mass and political activities between the parties and PCPD, such as erecting a monument for boycotting the Israeli products in Tulkarem and the Return Obelisk in Hebron & Al-Fari’ah in addition to holding workshops titled “Life Journey”. Accepting the concept of democratization by the middle leadership of parties. They proposed their opinion to their leadership and demanded unity and practical implementation of democracy among parties.
The Second Program: The Palestinian Peace
Project Goals Activities & Performance Indicators
Achieved Impact Indicators
First: Strategic Peace
Lobbying the Palestinian public opinion towards genuine peace represented in the UN Resolutions particularly 242, 338, 194 and 1397 and based upon the Palestinian peace program as stipulated for in the PDI.
Holding 48 workshops under the title of “PDI & the Peace Program”.Holding 8 training courses for activists under the title of “Peace Makers & Democracy” and broadcasting 24 televised workshops.Distributing 20,000 PDI posters. * 48 workshops and 8 centralized trainings were implemented in addition to broadcasting 24 TV shows and distributing 20,000 posters.
Enhancing the adoption of the PDI as a reference in the political speeches. Contributing to reviving the notion of the Palestinian national identity. Adding a subject titled “Palestinian Declaration of Independence” to the Palestinian Cause curriculum at the Hebron University. It’s a compulsory subject taught to all university schools regardless of their major. An increase in the percentage of governmental and civil organizations, political parties and individuals who are interested in PCPD’s publications, particularly the ones related to PDI, such as the poster, the booklet and the rest of the publications. Contributing to creating job opportunities for a group of participants from the central trainings. Those trainings increased the employment opportunity of the participants since they contributed to empowering and building the professional capacity of the participants.Contributing to strengthening social relations, interaction and networking among activists from the various governorates in addition to strengthening gender relations through the joint activities that were implemented, particularly the central courses. This was evident in an initiative taken by some young women and men to establish an electronic chat room to interact and chat under the name of PCPD Supporters Room http://pcpd-jinin.yoo7.com
Citizenship participationgraduation ceremony
Celebrating the IndependenceDay at Hebron University
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YSecond: Independence Day
Regaining the trust of Palestinian citizens in the Palestinian dream represented in establishing a modern and independent state and motivating Palestinians to break the circle of political isolation.
Erecting the PDI monument in some cities and camps.Organizing 20 activities in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Distributing 50,000 IPD posters.Designing and distributing a special poster.The IPD rock monuments were erected in Hebron, Al-‘Ubaidiyah & Nablus and the Obelisk of Return were erected in Hebron and Al Fari’ah Refugee Camp. Twenty activities, such as festivals, seminars and marches were implemented on the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.Five thousand posters were distributed. (no new design was made to maintain the value of the old poster)
Dozens of grassroots organizations partnered in implementing the activities of the Independence Day’s celebrations. The partnerships with official organizations were successful through the participation of governors and municipal and local council. The media coverage of Independence Day was successful. Success in mobilizing the private sector to donate the rocks of the IPD. Regaining and enhancing the values of voluntary work and involving the local community and private sector in supporting the national and political activities. This was evident in the role municipalities, local councils and private sectors played in implementing the Independence Day activities and erecting the PDI rocks allover the WB. Dozens of activities were implemented through the voluntary efforts and donations of the private sector and the support of the Palestinian local authorities.
Third: Solving Conflicts based on International Law.
PCPD’s Executive body managed to orient most projects towards International Law.
Holding one training course averaging 20 hours for PCPD staff.Holding 20 workshops on the International Law Conflict Resolution Mechanisms. * One training was done for the staff in addition to holding 12 workshops.
Increasing the legal and political knowledge of PCPD staff in the International Law.- Consolidating the commitment of PCPD staff, supporters and volunteers to the vision & mission of PCPD. - Preparing a number of studies specialized in the UN resolutions by PCPD’s staff. - Developing PCPD’s training curriculum towards adopting the International Law as a major subject in trainings and debates.
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Second: Independence Day
Regaining the trust of Palestinian citizens in the Palestinian dream represented in establishing a modern and independent state and motivating Palestinians to break the circle of political isolation.
Erecting the PDI monument in some cities and camps.Organizing 20 activities in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Distributing 50,000 IPD posters.Designing and distributing a special poster.The IPD rock monuments were erected in Hebron, Al-‘Ubaidiyah & Nablus and the Obelisk of Return were erected in Hebron and Al Fari’ah Refugee Camp. Twenty activities, such as festivals, seminars and marches were implemented on the 20th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.Five thousand posters were distributed. (no new design was made to maintain the value of the old poster)
Dozens of grassroots organizations partnered in implementing the activities of the Independence Day’s celebrations. The partnerships with official organizations were successful through the participation of governors and municipal and local council. The media coverage of Independence Day was successful. Success in mobilizing the private sector to donate the rocks of the IPD. Regaining and enhancing the values of voluntary work and involving the local community and private sector in supporting the national and political activities. This was evident in the role municipalities, local councils and private sectors played in implementing the Independence Day activities and erecting the PDI rocks allover the WB. Dozens of activities were implemented through the voluntary efforts and donations of the private sector and the support of the Palestinian local authorities.
Third: Solving Conflicts based on International Law.
PCPD’s Executive body managed to orient most projects towards International Law.
Holding one training course averaging 20 hours for PCPD staff.Holding 20 workshops on the International Law Conflict Resolution Mechanisms. * One training was done for the staff in addition to holding 12 workshops.
Increasing the legal and political knowledge of PCPD staff in the International Law.- Consolidating the commitment of PCPD staff, supporters and volunteers to the vision & mission of PCPD. - Preparing a number of studies specialized in the UN resolutions by PCPD’s staff. - Developing PCPD’s training curriculum towards adopting the International Law as a major subject in trainings and debates.
Third Program: Capacity Building
Project Goals Activities & Performance Indicators Achieved Impact IndicatorsFirst: Developing the Administrative & Financial Systems
Developing the administrative & financial systems and improving the performance of PCPD’s staff.
Conducting an 80 hours training course to develop the financial system and improving the performance of the staff.Updating the financial and administrative systems.
A first draft of the updated financial and administrative systems was submitted.
Second: Empowering Grassroots Organizations
Empowering a number of grassroots organizations in the field of resource mobilization and proposal writing in order to improve services provided for their target groups.
Conducting 2 training courses in resource mobilization and proposal writing.Offering 15 development grants to 15 grassroots organizations (directly from the donor organizations)* The two training courses were implemented and 13 grants were approved to be given to 13 grassroots organizations after holding a meeting between them and a donor German organization at the German House. The follow up and monitoring of the projects were done by the PCPD’s coordinators.
Enabling 13 grassroots organizations to implement 13 micro projects funded directly from 4 German organizations. Thirteen grassroots organizations are more financially stable and have held elections.
Third: Developing Grassroots Organizations
Developing and supporting a number of grassroots organizations by providing them with financial & administrative systems and training manuals.
Holding 3 specialized training courses.Providing 12 small donations to 12 organizations to undertake a joint activity.Providing 8 development grants for 8 grassroots organizations. Providing 4 grants for a group of organizations to support networking on the governorates’ level. * The second phase of the project was totally completed and work on the third and last phase has initiated.
Enabling 12 grassroots organizations from reaching donor organizations without the need of a liaison.Developing the administrative and financial capacity of 10 organizations in addition to creating a democratic system. Successfully managing 4 joint projects at the governorates’ level.
First: Building Leaderships (Enhancing the women leadership).
Empowering 20 women intellectually & professionally in the field of specialized trainings on equality, rights and
Holding 10 TOT sessions averaging 250 hours.Implementing 250 field training hours by the trainees. Holding 10 training sessions per month by the trainees to other women working in their organizations on the same issues given at the central training. (100 sessions during the project)* Five training sessions out of 10 were given to the trainees while the trainees implemented 5 training sessions at their respective organizations.
Seventeen young women passed the TOT.Seventeen young women implemented the facilitation and training activities.Ten of the trainees worked as part timers or full timers at PCPD or other organizations.
Second: The Political and Economic Rights of Women
Introducing women to their political & economic rights and maintaining those rights in order to enhance the political and economic situation of Palestinian women.
Holding 48 workshops on political and economic rights of women as stipulated for in the International Law and PDI; the workshops were implemented by the trainees of the first project.Holding 4 celebrations commemorating the 8th of March. * Forty eight workshops were conducted in addition to 4 celebrations commemorating Women’s Day
Implementing a series of voluntary activities on political and economic rights by women organizations.Increasing the level of partnership and cooperation among women grassroots organizations. Including 48 new women into PCPD’s supporters group.
Third: The Role of Women in the Peace Process
Increasing the awareness of women on the UN Resolution 1325 and the role of Palestinian women in resolving the conflict and building peace.
Holding 12 specialized workshops on the UN Resolution 1325 and the role of Palestinian women in resolving conflicts and building peace.
Implementing a series of voluntary activities on the role of Palestinian women in resolving conflicts and building peace by women organizations
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Project Goals Activities & Performance Indicators Achieved Impact IndicatorsFirst: Building Leaderships (Enhancing the women leadership).
Empowering 20 women intellectually & professionally in the field of specialized trainings on equality, rights and
Holding 10 TOT sessions averaging 250 hours.Implementing 250 field training hours by the trainees. Holding 10 training sessions per month by the trainees to other women working in their organizations on the same issues given at the central training. (100 sessions during the project)* Five training sessions out of 10 were given to the trainees while the trainees implemented 5 training sessions at their respective organizations.
Seventeen young women passed the TOT.Seventeen young women implemented the facilitation and training activities.Ten of the trainees worked as part timers or full timers at PCPD or other organizations.
Second: The Political and Economic Rights of Women
Introducing women to their political & economic rights and maintaining those rights in order to enhance the political and economic situation of Palestinian women.
Holding 48 workshops on political and economic rights of women as stipulated for in the International Law and PDI; the workshops were implemented by the trainees of the first project.Holding 4 celebrations commemorating the 8th of March. * Forty eight workshops were conducted in addition to 4 celebrations commemorating Women’s Day
Implementing a series of voluntary activities on political and economic rights by women organizations.Increasing the level of partnership and cooperation among women grassroots organizations. Including 48 new women into PCPD’s supporters group.
Third: The Role of Women in the Peace Process
Increasing the awareness of women on the UN Resolution 1325 and the role of Palestinian women in resolving the conflict and building peace.
Holding 12 specialized workshops on the UN Resolution 1325 and the role of Palestinian women in resolving conflicts and building peace.
Implementing a series of voluntary activities on the role of Palestinian women in resolving conflicts and building peace by women organizations
The General Assembly & the Board of DirectorsThe year 2008 has witnessed active participation by the members of the General Assembly and the Board of Directors in the activities of PCPD:
First: the General AssemblyThe General Assembly held its annual meeting on March 22, 2008 during which the following actions were taken:
Ratifying the administrative report.Ratifying the financial report.Ratifying the 2008 general plan.Ratifying the 2008 budget.Renewing the contract with SABA auditing firm for another fiscal year.
Second: The Board of DirectorsThe Board of Directors managed the affairs of PCPD through proposing ideas and suggestions, exerting unique efforts in following up the preparation of the financial and administrative bylaws and regulations not only to facilitate the work of PCPD, but also to develop its performance. The Board updated the administrative and financial systems in addition to amending PCPD’s bylaws.
The Board examined and reviewed last year’s
accounts, proposed recommendations and guidelines to develop them. They also examined and analyzed the final statement of accounts from December 31, 2008 prepared by the auditing firm.
The Board of Directors followed up the progress of work at PCPD and compared it to the plan of action approved by the General Assembly through the four official meetings that were held last year.
The Board monitored PCPD’s call for bids. Bids are announced in newspapers and are required to purchase stationery supplies, to book hotels and to purchase training equipment. The Board examined and analyzed those bids and selected the companies that serve the interest of PCPD.
Taiseer ‘Aruwri, the chairman of the Board, opened Salfit Conference, titled “ICJ from an Advisory Opinion to a Resolution” convened on June 2008; he also graduated the participants in the centralized training courses in Ramallah in addition to participating in, along with the board members & General Assembly members, many activities, meetings and seminars in all the governorates of the West Bank.
Difficulties & Challenges… ...Achievements & ImpactsFirst: The Bridges of Youth Networking “The Offices”This project, which is in its third year, is among the most important projects in the course of PCPD. The opening of these offices became an absolute necessity due to the development of PCPD’s work and due to the nature of the political and social circumstances that the national cause is going through.
Overtime, the importance of this project and the importance of developing it horizontally & vertically become more evident. This can be done by either opening new offices or developing the performance of PCPD’s staff, supporters & volunteers.
The indicators of success for this project are: Consolidating the youth work model and enhancing the concept and values of gender equality through the responsible implementation of supporters’ activities in the offices. The supporters’ group includes a distinguished and selective group of young men and women from all the regions.
Increasing the interest of youth in intellectual and political issues, in reading and in promoting dialogue and discussions. To this end, a “book discussion” activity is being organized at the various PCPD offices in order to fight the grave deterioration in these interests among the youth these days. Contributing to breaking the isolation barriers between the youth and the leadership of political parties through holding open dialogues and accountability sessions between the youth and the political parties’ leadership. This contributes to encouraging the youth participation in the national work, especially in the face of the youth exclusion from political life. Contributing to abolish “territorial, tribal and other” classifications through organizing “know your country” tours for all members and supporters. These tours will enhance the national education and will identify the most prominent historical and tourist locations in the country. Tours have been organized to Jericho, Tulkarem, Qalqiliya, Salfit and Nablus.
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Enhancing the institutional work and increasing emphasis on PCPD and its network with the various organizations and events in the WB governorates. PCPD offices became official and known for governmental and civil organizations, political parties, community activists, the media and the like. The name of PCPD offices are not identified according to the name of the coordinator as it used to be in previous times; rather they are identified as PCPD and the staff. Facilitating the work of employees and increasing their level of productivity and creativity. The opening of the new offices and identifying the office working hours have caused a qualitative shift. The new offices provide the employees with the logistical requirements needed to accomplish various missions. To be in active in contributing and developing the performance of grassroots organizations in the WB governorates as these offices provide a venue for daily and constant communication, whether among these organizations or with PCPD. Developing a database for PCPD and providing an accessible, user-friendly and organized archived database in each office. In addition, a main database on the partnership grassroots organizations and the circle of the supporters’ group in the West Bank was
developed. To help develop the capacities and leadership skills of the supporters and boost their creative initiatives by allowing them to organize the periodical meetings themselves, plan and implement work plans without depending on the directions of the staff and the administration of PCPD. This was evident in dozens of initiatives taken in the regions, such as the development of e-chat room on the internet, electing the supporters’ follow-up committees and organizing voluntary work. Enhancing PCPD’s relations with the public through organizing activities to celebrate national holidays, such as Labor Day and Women’s Day in addition to activities related to prominent national figures, titled “Life Journey”. Accordingly, many activities were held to commemorate the life of leaders, such as Fu’ad Nassar, George Habash, Fa’ek Warrad and Fu’ad Rizeq. Opening an office in the city of Hebron. That office played a role in enhancing the presence of PCPD in this big and important governorate and in implementing quantitative activities, such as the opening ceremony of erecting a rock monument for the Declaration of Independence in English and Arabic in the center
PCPD supporters – Nablus
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of the Hebron University, forming a Dabkeh dancing group from PCPD’s supporters in Hebron. Facilitating the implementation of the various projects and activities through the offices in the WB governorates.
Secondly: Training of Trainers Project “Citizenship in Participation”
Sixteen young men and women attended 500 training hours over a span of eight continuous months. The training was theoretical and practical and tackled a group
of issues and topics under three main categories: The professional aspect that deals with the training methodology and professionalism, the training kit, tools of training, evaluation and the like. The civil and political education aspect that is connected to civil society, democracy, gender, human rights, the history of struggle, the International Law, the Palestinian Declaration of Independence and the like. The aspect of building the leadership and management capacities related to the management of civil society organizations, resource mobilization, proposal writing, report writing and the like.
The indication of success for this project was represented in absorbing five of the training course graduates into PCPD as part timers and another 10 graduates at other civil organizations as full and part timers.
Thirdly: Salfit Conference
The 12th annual conference by PCPD was held in Salfit governorate as it was scheduled on June 26, 2008 under the title of “ICJ from Advisory Opinion to Resolution”. It
was attended by 354 participants from official and civil institutions, political parties, PCPD’s supporters and friends from all over the West Bank governorates. Three work papers were prepared, presented and discussed during the conference. The first was prepared by a group of volunteers from Salfit governorate titled “Salfit Governorate… the Olive Governorate”. The second was titled “The International Law is Above All” by Mr. Nasif Mu’alem. The third paper was on “the Popular Resistance in Palestine” by Mr. Riyad Sharim.
A training session
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The conference was a major media and popular event. The recommendations of participants were sent as official letters to all the concerned parties; topping the invitation list were the President Abu Mazen, the Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, leaders of national parties and
the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network. PCPD has issued the proceedings of the conference in a book that was distributed to dozens of governmental and non-governmental organizations and political parties in addition to all the conference’s participants.
The Salfeet Conference “The Hauge – From“an Advisory Opinion to a UN Resolution
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Fourthly: Consolidating the Grassroots Organizations in partnership with “Maan”
This project faced some obstacles, such as delays in implementing its second phase. Nevertheless, three important activities at the national and the community levels were implemented as part of this project in partnership with a group of grassroots organizations. These activities are:
The opening of the Right of Return obelisk in Hebron amid celebrations, a big march and huge media coverage. Rehabilitating and improving a public park and erecting the PDI monument in the center of the village of Jifnah in Ramallah’s governorate. Establishing a book section for national and progressive books in the Arab American University in Jenin.
Fifthly: Training Manuals
In 2008, three training manuals were prepared and printed by PCPD staff. The training guides are as follows:
Civil Grassroots Organizations Management. This
is part of Consolidating Grassroots Organizations Project implemented in partnership with the DED. Resource Mobilization and Proposal Writing manual in partnership with DED. Training of Trainers manual on Citizenship in Participation funded by the Dutch CORDAID.
Stories & WitnessesA Touch of SincerityAs the compass’ needle points us to the right direction regardless of time and place and as the sunflower is inclined towards the sun even though it hides behind the clouds, my mind is inclined towards this school that taught me how genuine intellectuals are generous givers and investors of their knowledge for the sake of their cause. I’m personally inclined to this school where I learned to be
brave and to express myself clearly and honestly. Many thanks to PCPD for everything, for providing a beautiful haven a breathing space of freedom and thanks to the family of PCPD to whom I say my thanks will never boost to the level of your work.
All the best, Yousef Hantash - Hebron
PCPD supporters are celebrating a monument with 194 UN Resolution
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YWords from a Palestinian Refugee GirlMr. Nasif Mu’alem, the director of PCPD and Mr. Husain Al-‘Araj, the governor of Hebron raised the curtain from the stone monument of the UN Resolution 194 which calls for the Right of Return to our homes from which we compulsory transferred. The celebration was accompanied by holding many activities organized by governmental and non-governmental organization on 12 July 2009. We, the children of the Palestinian Child Cultural Center in Al-Fawwar Refugee Camp, particularly the training group of youngsters for defending the refugees’ rights, participated in the opening ceremony’s activities. I, Raneen Khalil Al-Sarahneh from ‘Ajjour, recited the oath of return to the participants and to my surprise, they repeated the oath
after me… it was a fantastic feeling where, at that moment, hundreds of people became one voice, one hand and one people. Despite the various popular parties, we all agreed at that moment that we are adherent to the irreplaceable Right of Return. This activity, though it might be a simple one, has strengthened our belief as refugee children that the Right of Return is an indispensible right regardless of the circumstances and regardless of the compensations offered. We won’t accept anything other than our rights no matter how long that might take.
Ranin Khalil Al Sarahneh, 17 years old‘Ajjour - Al Fawwar Refuge Camp
PCPD is one of the pioneered organizations working in the field of building the capacity of youth in all fields from political education to political participation through holding a number of meetings and workshops. I personally feel thrilled to be one of the Center’s supporters and a direct beneficiary. The last training I had was a training of trainers on Citizenship in Participation.
I wish PCPD continued success in serving the Palestinian society.
Nizar Al-‘AyasehBethlehem
PCPD worked hard to develop the skills of women and I personally benefited from that. I developed my conversation and community skills and benefited from
the knowledge and education provided by PCPD. I gained the ability to integrate into the society and to have constructive conversations in various fields, particularly in contributing to changing the stereotyped view of the society on women.
Sujood ‘AthamnehJenin
For many years I lived as a traditional housewife thinking
that this is enough and this is life and there is nothing else to it. When I got to know PCPD, I felt that was missing a lot. PCPD gave me the opportunity to attend trainings and workshops that developed my personality and capacity. Now I perceive things from different angles and have great ability to hold debates and respect others regardless. Being a PCPD supporter has supported me and strengthened my will to get out from the stereotyped life of women, especially in the south. I reassessed my life and decided to start my undergraduate studies in business
Celebrating the Palestinian Independence
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administration after I left school 17 years ago. My life has changed a lot during the last three years. I’d like to thank PCPD for this successful change.
Hanan Sa’adeh Hebron
My hope while writing about my experience with PCPD, was that the circumstances in Palestine would be better. However, it was destined that Gaza is under shelling now. Nevertheless, my experience with PCPD is considered to be a very beautiful experience. I’ve made many new acquaintances in addition to increasing my wealth of knowledge through the trainings held by PCPD.
Mahmood Dar’awi
My relationship with PCPD started last year only. However, last year was special since I’ve joined the Training of Trainers. It wasn’t just like any normal year in my life. I
gained a lot of skills on the personal level through my connections with other people and organizations.
Rajwa Ma’roof ‘Abed Jenin
I got to know PCPD around a year ago when I joined one of their training of trainers (TOT) workshop, which has changed a lot about my personality and my life. It also gave me a strong incentive to change and influence the society. It made me build new social relations and to interact in a better way with people around me. It made me rethink our cause and policies. I advice all young people to educate themselves by reading and to be part of PCPD’s supporters and benefit from what the center has to offer.
Ghadeer Darrouseh Nablus
Our life is filled with storms and when they strike, every one of us will need a lifeboat. Since we are in the center of the storm as we live under unusual circumstances, PCPD has been our lifeboat with all they have to offer and do to fulfill their message. We can only appreciate your efforts by saying a few words that won’t serve you right. My humble experience with PCPD is one of the good things that happened to me in 2008 and will remain in my mind
as candlelight that will light my path.
I wish you continued prosperity for this year and the coming years. I offer you all my best wishes, love & respect.
Du’a’ ZaidaatFaqqu’ah – Jenin
Graduation ceremony of “Capacity“Building” Kvinna Till Kvinna
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YAn Experience It Is It’s a good feeling when people experiment new things. However, it’s even a better feeling when they are successful. As children, we crawl first, then attempt to take our first steps. Keen to learn new things, we look around us and we fall. But we stand up again motivated by our desire to move forward, discover and learn. This is the life of anyone who went through an experiment, who seeks to get somewhere and learn. My experience with PCPD was one of the most beautiful and successful experiences I’ve had in my life.
Nisreen BisharaatNablus
When you take part in PCPD’s activities, at first you might think these activities are similar to other voluntary activities. However, later you will come to know the difference. You want to show them gratitude but they continue to fill you more and more with gifts that further help. They help you discover yourself and make you proud to carry their message and achieve their lofty goals.
Tareq HajjasRamallah
People are in constant search for new facts and they reconsider their positions accordingly. The discussions that take place during PCPD’s workshops & trainings deal with ways on how to handle and analyze these new facts in order to contribute to creating new directions that would serve the human interest in the first place. I’ve strived to transform this experience from the training out of my belief that people should learn how to fish rather than be offered fish.
‘Asma’ AhmadJenini came to learn that knowledge is an infinite and vast ocean and seekers of knowledge have to dig deep using the tools of knowledge to acquire the information that others have. They also have to best utilize, put together and analyze the information to be distinguished from others. I’ve learned that reading is the journey of the mind
to the effects of human intellect and books are a station to provide people with intellectual fuel. I’ve learned that information can’t be owned and those who think otherwise don’t know anything about this wide world. I’ve also learned that through training people acquire various skills and options. All this is attributed to my participation in the distinguished activities of PCPD, particularly the Training of Trainers.
Rawan Al ShomalyBeit Sahour
After a long period of waiting, I found myself on the verge of a new future and along the bank of creativity. I received the leaves of life between my hands, and for the first time I embraced unexpected experiences, knowledge and culture and my time was filled up with truth and the truth is PCPD.
‘Inas BannourahBeit Sahour
To my colleagues at PCPD, whom I drew as lines of my wonderful moments, whom I colored as the perfume of amaryllis… and if I’ll be, I’ll be myself… and if you will be, you will remain yourself and I’ll always be proud to have you in my life.
Hikmat ‘Allami Bait Ummar
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2008 PublicationsThe year 2008 was distinguished for publishing a collection of important intellectual and political publications, which were as follows:
A book titled “Karl Marx & Democracy” by Mazen Al-Husainy A book on “Democracy, One hundred Question & Answer – the second collection” by Abd Al-Majeed Hamdan. A book titled “The Palestinian Arab Left Parties” by Odeh & Na’im Al-‘Ashhab. A book on “ICJ from Advisory Opinion to Resolution – Salfit Conference” A book on “PCPD’s Celebrations Commemorating the 19th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence”PCPD’s Annual Report in ArabicPCPD’s Annual Report in English
Future VisionTalking about the future of PCPD is inseparable from the future of the Palestinian people, the future of its national cause and their sacred right in liberation, independence and building a modern democratic state.
With the departure of 2008 and arrival of 2009 we have a greater deal of trust in the future of our people and greater conviction in the vision and mission of PCPD. Our adherence to our principles and values that lead our way – as we the Palestinians – “we see what we want and one day we will be what we want” according to our great deceased poet, Mahmood Darwish.
As history turned dark pages in the paths of nations and peoples; and as those nations and people dug their way in rocks reaching the peak of human advancement, we will always have a place under the sun and the history will turn over the pages of occupation and internal fighting and the dawn of a modern democratic state with Jerusalem as its eternal capital will shine.
We set hopes on the year 2009 despite the intensity of challenges. We believe that everyday that passes, brings us closer to our desires; to a just and lasting peace; to
freedom and independence; to a modern state; to a society of citizenship and democracy; to Jerusalem and the return of refugees; to social justice; to the realization of the dream of martyrs, detainees and those in exile; and to the realization of the dream of the poor, oppressed and marginalized.
Acknowledgment & AppreciationPCPD couldn’t have continued, developed and progressed without the infinite support of its members’ network, board, administration, employees, friends and supporters. At the end of our 2008 annual report, we would like to thank the members of the general assembly, the board of directors, the executive staff from the administration, coordinators, trainers and facilitators and to the circle of supporters. We also thank our friends and partners who are political and social activists at the civil society organization, such as political parties and civil and grassroots organizations. We also extend our gratitude to the local society organizations, such as governorates, municipalities, local councils and to all the organizations that supported us in addition to the national private sector that contributed to erecting the stone monuments of the Declaration of Independence and the posters of the Right of Return. We would also like to personally thank Mr. Muhammad Halaikah “Abu Ali”, Munshar Abu Issa “Tareq Al Aideh” and the Real Estate Company. Finally we would like to thank all of our friends hoping that they will consider this gratitude to them as an individual.
Finally we would like to thank PCPD funders and friends, the people behind these organizations who have trusted in us and believed in our work. We would like to give special thanks to the following funders who have supported our work during the year 2008:
CORDAID – THE NETHERLANDSEUROPEAN COMMISSIONGERMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICE/DED - GERMANYKVINNA TILL KVINNA – SWEDENMENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE – CANADAROSA LUXEMBURG STIFUTUNG - GERMANYTOCAIRE – IRELANDWOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER – GERMAN COMMITTEE
