Starting in September 2000, Birzeit University is launching a training program in democracy and human rights leading to the MA degree upon completion of the program. Target groups include school teachers, human rights workers, trainers and workshop leaders working in various NGOs and involved on a continuing basis in workshops and seminars on democracy and human rights, and other students interested in pursuing issues related to these subjects. This is the first program of its kind in Palestine and the Arab region as well.
Similar programs do exist in Europe and the United States.
However, such programs are too costly for most Palestinian students and their focus is often too narrow for local needs. The Birzeit program is designed with Palestinian and Arab needs in mind, and it will be accessible to a larger number at a far lower cost. In addition, and perhaps for a majority of students, it will also be more practicable, since they will be able to study on a part-time basis without having to leave their work. Thus for many, the program will thus have the nature of an in-service training course. The program seeks to fill a clear gap in essential training needed for education in democracy and human rights.