Joint Initiative Enhances Social-Emotional Learning Skills in Gaza Strip

A specialized training course on social emotional learning (SEL) methodology has been launched in the Gaza Strip as part of a joint cooperation program between Al-Quds Open University and the Teacher Creativity Center Association. The six-day training program aims to enhance the capabilities of university students and provide them with practical skills that contribute to integrating the psychological and social dimensions into the educational process. The initiative reflects the university's role in providing academic services in the Gaza Strip despite the challenging circumstances. It also emphasizes the importance of enhancing students' capabilities and providing them with the necessary practical skills to meet the needs of the current phase and its exceptional circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

• The training course is part of a joint cooperation program between Al-Quds Open University and the Teacher Creativity Center Association, aiming to enhance the capabilities of university students and provide them with practical skills in social-emotional learning.
• The six-day training program includes training and interactive activities based on active learning methodologies, aimed at building students' capacities in the field of social-emotional learning.
• The program is being taught by Prof. Omar Dahlan and Dr. Mohammed Al-Zatma, with a focus on developing students' skills and preparing them to meet the needs of the current phase and its exceptional circumstances.
• The initiative reflects the university's role in providing academic services in the Gaza Strip despite the challenging circumstances and emphasizes the importance of enhancing students' capabilities and providing them with necessary practical skills.
• The project is implemented by the Teacher Creativity Center in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, with support from the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Statistics:

• 25 male and female students from Al-Quds Open University are participating in the training course.
• The training program is a part of the 2025-2026 Social Emotional Learning Project.
• The project aims to enhance the social and academic performance of children in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip by addressing the impacts of social and emotional challenges.
• The third phase of the project focuses on addressing the impacts of social and emotional challenges on children's performance.

Sources:

• Al-Quds Open University
• Teacher Creativity Center Association
• Ministry of Education and Higher Education
• Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg