Human resources development and its links to the labour market in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Abstract

This report is one of a series produced by the European Training Foundation on the state of play of human resources development (HRD) in general and vocational education and training systems in particular, in the countries of the Mediterranean region. OBJECTIVES, SCOPE AND LIMITS OF THE EXERCISE The aim of the project was to draw a clear picture of the latest developments in the national HRD system in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and to highlight the main issues and challenges that should be addressed. Specifically, the project aimed to draft a comprehensive report on HRD in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. HRD policies and systems cover, among others, education, higher education, initial and continuing technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and training for employment. In the context of the objectives provided for in the Barcelona Declaration and the European Neighbourhood Policy, the report enables the identification of the main challenges and priorities for assistance in reforming the HRD system and in particular the TVET system in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with a view to discussing them with national authorities. The main limiting factor of the exercise was that the time allocated for drafting a report covering the whole spectrum of HRD was not enough. Also, the format and size of the report were predetermined in order to conform to similar reports from other countries, which led occasionally to some issues being addressed only superficially. The report focuses intentionally on TVET more than on other components of the HRD system. The quantitative dimensions of these other components are addressed, but little qualitative analysis is undertaken. METHODOLOGY The report was drawn by a Palestinian expert supported by a European Union expert, between July and September 2005. It was based on desk research and field visits to the main actors, such as social partners, public authorities, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and UN agencies, enterprises, public and private providers, and donors. The process was participatory and the most relevant stakeholders were consulted. A national workshop was held to present the main findings and to gather basic feedback on the draft. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Acknowledgements are due to all interviewees throughout the country, whose feedback and views helped tremendously in shaping this report (see list of people interviewed in annex 1). Thanks are also due to all those who provided valuable feedback, thus allowing for the production of the report in its current form. Specifically, special thanks are due to Gabi Baramki, Khalil Nakhleh, Mohammad Ghadia, Mohammad Malki, Randa Hilal, Salah Al Zaroo, Sami Khader, Tafeedah Jirbawi and Ziad Jweiles for their feedback and constructive comments.