From the earliest years of statehood, Israel's leaders were moved by a compelling desire to share the knowledge gained from Israel's own development experience. In 1958, Golda Meir , then Minister of Foreign Affairs, first visited Africa. Deeply moved by the challenges the young nations of Africa faced after achieving independence, she returned convinced that Israel must play a significant role in assisting these nations in their struggle with problems of health, education, malnutrition, low status of women, and the struggle for resources. Training courses concentrate on traditional areas where Israel has acquired experience - agriculture and rural society, education, social development, public health, environmental and natural resource protection, and women in development. Participants are graduate students, professionals, instructors, field workers, technicians as well as senior government personnel.
Classes are small, affording individual attention to each student.
Courses are designed to present concepts and ideas. No attempt is made to impose a specific model or solution. At the end of each course, participants are required to present a project they have prepared. This enables them to apply skills learned to the training of others. Teachers, farmers, engineers, community workers, regional planners, physicians and nutritionists are but a small sample of participants in these programs.