MASHAV Courses in Israel 2003- Education and community development

In many countries, very young children are exposed to more than one language while they are growing up, or are expected to study in a language that is not their mother tongue. The very real issues involved will be considered in this short course. Topics to be covered include multiculturalism in education; language and cognitive development; bilingual and multilingual development; mediating language development at home and at school; early literacy in multilingualism; developmental problems and multilingualism and educational programs for the multilingual child; language testing of multilingual children; alternative means for communication across cultural boundaries. Field visits will be made to relevant educational settings dealing with bilingualism and multilingualism.

Requirements for Admission:

The course is open to women and men between the ages of 30 48 who are currently working as supervisors, teacher trainers, lecturers, coordinators of pre-school programs, principals of 1^st and 2^nd grades of elementary schools and curriculum planners. They must have attended a recognized institute of higher education and have at least 7 years of experience in the field.

A good command of spoken and written English is essential.

This course focuses on an often neglected but crucial component of nature conservation the human component. This course is designed for nature reserve management, researchers and policy makers who wish to strengthen their understanding of the needs and desires of local communities, business interests, and local and international political interests. All these can threaten nature conservation efforts. Thus the course combines ecologically based principles for nature management with perspectives on working with various stakeholders in assuring long-term success in conservation.

Participants will first build a theoretical understanding of the ecological basis for nature conservation of wildlife and then apply this knowledge to case studies of problems facing Israeli wildlife managers. Next participants will hear a series of lectures and engage in activities designed to introduce the range of policy tools available both for managing reserves and for working with the public around the reserve. During the course the emphasis will be on integrating and comparing participants experiences in their home countries into the discussions.

Topics covered in this course include:

• Introduction to nature reserve management and conservation principles in three ecological systems: desert, tropical marine, and bird migratory flyways.
• Policy tools for nature conservation including: planning tools, economic tools, education and law.
• Building community support for nature conservation.

Requirements for Admission:

This course is open to nature reserve managers, scientists, government policy makers and community activists. Participants must meet the following criteria: good command of written and spoken English, an academic degree (minimum B.Sc./B.A.) in a field relevant to the course material, and at least 2 years of experience working in nature reserves, policy making or community activism for nature conservation.

To become familiar with the Israeli experience in the field of Computers in Education.

To analyze concepts and frameworks related to the subject of the course.

To be familiar with frameworks and methods in the use of Internet and Distance Learning and to analyze possibilities of implementing them at national, local and institutional levels.

Exchange of experience and knowledge attained in the countries of origin of the course participants.

To improve personal skills and to be familiar with tools necessary for the planning of computer assisted instruction and learning.

To consider the possibilities of future cooperation between participants countries of origin and the Israeli educational system.

The course is intended for school directors, supervisors, education department directors and decision makers in the Ministry of Education who are willing to promote a didactic computerized environment. The applicants must have an academic degree and at least 5 years of experience in relevant fields.

To analyze the role of scientific and technological education in national development.

To become familiar with new concepts, methods and tools concerning science and technology teaching.

To acquire knowledge of various educational projects and curricula in Israel.

To exchange experiences acquired in the participants' countries.

To be familiar with frameworks and methods in the use of Internet and Distance Learning and to analyze possibilities of implementing them at national, local and institutional levels.

Use of teaching aids from simple and low-cost materials to modern and sophisticated instruments.

To adapt the planning of science teaching to the socio-economic realities of the participants' institutions.

To consider the possibility for future cooperation between the participants' countries and the Israeli educational system.

The seminar is intended for senior staff of educational system, decision/policy-makers, supervisors and academic researchers in the field of science and technology education.

The workshop will assess the health of civil society, in order to strengthen its role in governance and development. It will examine concepts, typologies and functions of non-governmental organizations, management of human service organizations, resource mobilization, financial planning and fund raising.

Emphasis will be placed on problem analysis, planning and evaluation of policies and programs, working with boards of directors and committees. Sessions will be devoted to analysis and enhancement of communication patterns and to examining the influence of information technology (IT) on non-governmental organizations.

The subject of networking will be highlighted, as well as working in coalitions, pooling resources and coordinating effects of lobbying.

The workshop is open to 26-30 women and men, aged between 30 - 48, who hold managerial positions in NGOs (chair of board of directors, volunteer and professional staff) or in government agencies which liaise with NGOs. Candidates should have at least 7 years practical experience in the field and have relevant professional higher education. Basic computer skills aredesirable and a good command of written and spoken English is essential.

To share Israel's successful models of integration of new immigrants and returning nationals.

To analyze the cross-section between migration and development, and how migration serves as a tool for development.

To compare Israel's integration experience and methods to that of participants' countries of origin.

To develop models of integration to apply to participants' countries of origin in the areas of their concern.

The course is designed for: policy-makers and practitioners, senior or middle management staff of government ministries, NGOs and international agencies involved in the economic, social, cultural and educational integration of immigrants, returning nationals, foreign workers, refugees and asylum seekers.

Participants must be proficient in English.

This workshop will relate to the following topics: defining community, examining how segments of the community can take responsibility for improving the quality of life within the community - parents, children, teachers, community at large; empowering teachers, empowering parents; developing leadership skills; forming groups of parents, teachers and children for implementing projects in the school and community, e.g., coping with violent behavior; team work; introducing changes; communication skills and conflict resolution; innovative and creative thinking.

The workshop is open to men and women between 30 - 48 years of age, head teachers, principals, directors, supervisors and coordinators of pre-school settings and early primary classes from 4 - 8 years old, community workers.

Candidates should have completed academic studies or relevant professional training in early childhood education and community work. They should be currently employed as principals of primary schools or as 1^st and 2^nd grade teachers with at least 7 years experience in the field. Preference will be given to teams of teachers-supervisor, teacher-principal, supervisor-principal, coming from the same educational setting.

A good command of spoken and written English is essential.

Israel is a country that has absorbed large-scale immigration ever since the establishment of the state. In turn, it's social structure and consequently the system of Teachers' Education is strongly influenced by this phenomenon. In addition, it has a meaningful impact on the whole society through the educational system at large.

The course aims to analyze the ways by which the system of Teachers' Education confronts the needs of the society and at the same time is responsive to possible long-term changes in the field of education.

The course will explore policy measures needed to improve a Teachers' Education system for all educational levels.

The course will review different models of Teachers' Education, curriculum structure (required, elective and specific subjects). Participants will exchange experience and knowledge by comparing their respective Teachers' Education systems.

High level academic and administration directors, deans, heads and senior staff of teacher colleges, senior staff officials of teachers' education departments on national and local levels.

The regional approach to development of rural tourism; political, physical, social, ecological and technological aspects in development of rural tourism; classification of tourism products; analysis of tourism demand; essential infrastructure; carrying capacity measures; business plans for tourism projects; marketing plan for small tourism businesses; economic evaluation of tourism projects; support systems for small and medium enterprises; tourism information as a support system for destination choice; acquaintance with the Israeli experience in rural tourism.

The workshop will include professional visits and the preparation and presentation of tourism project plans that can generate income in rural areas.

The workshop is designed for 26 - 30 women and men between the ages of 27-48, who are planners or policy-makers at the national, regional or district level, heads of women's organizations and/or entrepreneurs presently involved in creating new employment in rural areas, particularly in tourism.

Candidates are expected to have an academic degree in the field of planning, management, economics, development, tourism or other related subjects, as well as at least 7 years of relevant professional experience, so that a significant dialogue can be developed.

A good command of spoken and written English is essential.

To analyze the place and role of Distance Learning in national development in general and rural areas in particular.

To be acquainted with the newest concepts, methods and tools concerning Distance Learning and training.

To recognize and analyze budgetary and organizational aspects which are related to the various configurations of Distance Learning.

To consider the possibility of future cooperation between participant's countries of origin with Israeli institutions and MASHAV in the field of Distance Learning.

To exchange knowledge and experiences attained in the participating countries.

The seminar is intended for policy-makers, senior government officials and private sector executives involved in developing and implementing broad national strategies and projects for effective use of distance learning methods.

It is expected that each country delegation will consist of 2-3 persons who will work as a team throughout the duration of the seminar as well as in possible follow-up activities. The seminar will consist of 25 participants in total.

The workshop will provide a platform for discussion of this relevant and burning issue which crosses every culture and all socio-economic levels.

Philosophical and historical perspectives will be reviewed; definitions will be examined, basic characteristics of the problem discussed and different kinds of child abuse will be classified. The workshop will also cover difficulties in locating the children, issues and dilemmas on reporting cases of child abuse; related and legal issues. Programs for dealing with child abuse; hot lines, clinical approach, remedial education, dilemmas and issues. Long-term psychological implications; demographic characteristics.

This workshop will be open to women and men between the ages of 30 - 48, community workers, social workers, public health nurses, doctors, psychologists and educators who work with children aged 0 to 8 years.

A good command of spoken and written English is essential.

Social policy and legislation; principles of geriatrics, definition of old age and disease; epidemiological and demographic data; ethical dilemmas; quality of life and death; gerontology and geriatrics; developing and managing services for the elderly; training professionals and volunteers; commself-help programs; financial planing and resource allocation; the multidisciplinary team; study visits to organizations and community services.

The workshop culminates in the preparation of group project proposals which can be adapted to the participants' local situations.

The workshop is intended for 25-30 women and men between 30-50 years old, who hold senior positions in government or non-governmental organizations, and are responsible for planning services and/or programs for the elderly.

Candidates should have an academic degree and professional experience in the fields of gerontology, geriatrics, social work, health or education, with a minimum of 7 years experience working in their field.

A good command of written and spoken English is essential.

Higher education is one of the most important factors to improve quality of life in every country. Competitiveness in our time depends upon the ability of higher education to produce world class graduates.

The course will analyze the role of higher education systems in building national capacity. The course will review different models of higher education systems - nationwide universities, regional colleges and post-secondary technical institutions.

The course will examine concepts, attitudes and tendencies related to academic autonomy, administrative and management issues, expansion of educational opportunities to meet public demand, connection between higher education and world of work, national and international standards and accreditation, etc.

A special study will be made on the role of the Council for Higher Education in Israel - its structure, functions and relationships with various institutions of the higher education systems.

High level academic and administration directors, deans, heads of teacher colleges and senior official governmental departments of higher education.

Current trends in small and medium enterprise (SME) development; support systems required for new and existing entrepreneurs; marketing strategies for small businesses; low cost promotion strategies for the small enterprise; the Internet as a source of information and advice; business networking; information and communication technologies (ICTs) and new opportunities for women; enhancing women's capacities; women in business networks; exploring the Israeli experience in SME development; preparation of a plan for supporting women entrepreneurs; observation visits.

The workshop is designed for 26 - 30 professional women and men aged between 48-50 in the field of management, marketing, promotion, training and supervision, working in NGOs, women's organizations, government institutes and agencies for business support and development, involved in supporting women in micro-business.

Candidates are expected to have an academic degree or equivalent diploma in social science, economics, business administration, industrial management or related subjects and at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in the field of microenterprise development.

A good command of written and spoken English is essential.

Study of methodology for:

• strategic direction and promote development the school;
• teaching and learning in order to educate and shape the character of students;
• leadership and management of school staff;
• efficiency and beneficial use of financial and human resources;
• accountability.

The course is intended for high level academic and administration directors, deans, heads of teacher colleges and senior official governmental departments of higher education.

Analysis of the role of the media as a tool for social change; reviewing theoretical models of mass media; strategic planning and designing media; use of media in marketing community programs and campaigns; services and mobilization of support for special interest groups; grassroots organizing; litigation; public education; advocacy, etc. Planning public relations campaigns. Using information technology to best advantage; computers, databases, Internet for networking, observation visits.

The workshop is designed for 25 - 30 women and men, from 30 - 50 years old, who plan media strategy for their human service organizations, or journalists who work with NGOs or report on social issues. Candidates are expected to have completed academic studies or equivalent professional training in social work, management, journalism or other related fields. A good command of written and spoken English is essential.