As part of its partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by the General Directorate of Counseling, the Universal Education Foundation implemented the Unified Student Parliament Summer Camp, which was held over four days in Bethlehem Governorate. The camp brought together 20 students representing all Directorates of Education across the West Bank, in addition to the participation of five members of the Universal Education Foundation’s Children’s Advisory Group.
The camp was officially inaugurated by Dr. Asaad Al-Ramlawi, Executive Director of the Universal Education Foundation, who welcomed the participants and guests and emphasized the importance of the camp in developing students’ leadership skills, strengthening their active participation, and providing them with opportunities to engage with national institutions and prominent public figures through a comprehensive interactive training programme.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, led by Mr. Sadeq Al-Khoudour, Assistant Undersecretary for Student Affairs, representing H.E. Prof. Dr. Amjad Barham, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Mr. Ahmad Sayara, Director General of Counseling at the Ministry; and Ms. Lamees, Director General of the Bethlehem Directorate of Education. The event was also attended by educational counsellors from the participating schools. In addition, Mr. Dominic Richardson, Director General of the Learning for Well-being Foundation, joined the opening ceremony virtually via Zoom.
The speakers highlighted the importance of continuing the partnership in implementing high-quality programmes that support children and adolescents, promote their well-being, and strengthen their leadership qualities and life skills. They also encouraged students to make the most of the camp’s diverse programme, which combined training sessions, field visits, and dialogue meetings to deepen their understanding of Bethlehem, its national institutions, and to broaden their perspectives on active community participation.
Day One Activities – Saturday, 18 July 2026
* Official opening ceremony attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Universal Education Foundation, and partner institutions.
* Interactive icebreaking and team-building activities to help Student Parliament members get to know one another.
* An interactive session on communication and effective interpersonal skills to strengthen positive interaction among students.
* Visit to Bethlehem Municipality, where students met Mayor Dr. Hanna Hanania, who presented an overview of Bethlehem Governorate, its historical and tourist landmarks, the challenges facing the city, and engaged in an open discussion with students.
* Visit to the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where students met its President, Dr. Samir Hazboun, to learn about institutional and economic development and the role of the private sector in sustainable development.
Day Two Activities – Sunday, 19 July 2026
* Visit to Beit Jala Pharmaceutical Company, where students met General Manager Dr. Walid Kamel to learn about the importance of the national pharmaceutical industry, its products, and future career opportunities.
* Dialogue session with Dr. Nasser Al-Lahham, Director of Ma’an Television Network, focusing on the relationship between leadership and media influence, and the role of the media in serving community issues.
* Interactive training sessions on:
* Leadership skills.
* Advocacy and mobilising support.
* Persuasion and influencing skills.
These sessions aimed to empower students to express their opinions confidently, positively influence their communities, and advocate for issues that matter to them in responsible and constructive ways, preparing them to become future leaders and changemakers.
Day Three Activities – Monday, 20 July 2026
* Visit to the historic village of Battir, where students met Mayor Eng. Akram Bader, who introduced the village’s history, conservation and development efforts, its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the international awards it has received.
* Meeting with Sheikh Ibrahim Awadallah, Deputy Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories, on strengthening religious, national, and humanitarian values among young people.
* Interactive training sessions on:
* Children’s rights.
* Coping with psychological stress.
* Building resilience and adaptation skills.
The sessions aimed to increase students’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities, empower them to protect themselves and advocate for their rights respectfully and responsibly, and equip them with practical skills to cope with challenges, manage emotions, and adapt positively to different life situations.
Day Four Activities – Tuesday, 21 July 2026
* Visit to Dar Al-Kalima University, where students met its President, Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, who spoke about the importance of higher education in developing diverse skills and the role of arts and culture in shaping young people’s character.
* Comprehensive evaluation session reviewing the camp’s outcomes and reflecting on the key experiences and skills gained by participants.
* Presentation of the Unified Student Parliament Closing Statement, in which students expressed their gratitude to the Universal Education Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and all partners and supporters. They described the camp as a rich experience that combined learning, creativity, and teamwork, while strengthening their self-confidence and leadership and communication skills.
* Recognition ceremony honouring partners, supporters, and facilitators for their valuable contributions to the success of the camp.
* Recognition of all Unified Student Parliament members and distribution of gifts in appreciation of their outstanding participation.
The camp concluded in an atmosphere of pride and accomplishment, reflecting the positive impact it had on participating students. It successfully strengthened their leadership and communication skills, reinforced the values of citizenship and teamwork, and provided meaningful opportunities to engage with national institutions and distinguished public figures, inspiring them to become active young citizens committed to serving their communities.
The Universal Education Foundation extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the General Directorate of Counseling, the Bethlehem Directorate of Education, all national institutions and distinguished public figures who welcomed and hosted the students, as well as all partners, supporters, and facilitators whose dedication and cooperation played a vital role in the successful implementation of the camp and the achievement of its objectives.
