Under the Work Based Learning scheme of the Belgian Development Agency, students from vocational and technical training centra and schools can combine their training in these institutions with a practical training in the private sector. This is likely to drastically enhance their chances to find a job afterwards.

Also some of the students from the Al-Rawdah technical community college have participated in a Work Based Learning initiative. A group of six young Palestinian female students studying Child Education have been enrolled in the scheme.

They have been able to participate in an internship at the Special Education School of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, a school that focuses on the care of children with special needs.  They were trained in different fields: (i) hearing and language disorders, (ii) motor disorders and (iii) special education and autism. 

All of the students considered this internship a very interesting practical training and have therefore enrolled as a volunteer at the Future Youth Organization where they are now assisting the head teachers in classes of 20 to 25 children aged 5 to 7 years old.

One of the students, Saba’a, has been very touched by the improvement of the behaviour of one of the children in school: “Nassim is an aggressive and hyperactive child that was always shouting and hitting other kids. I have tried to build up a bridge of confidence. After observing his behaviour for several days, I realised he needs more warmth and encouragement to play with the other kids in a non-violent manner. I have cooperated with his mother as well on his behaviour. It has touched me a lot that he started calling me by my name, and even wanted to come and visit me in my hometown of Qalqilia. Honestly, the Work Based Learning initiative has enriched my experience and has helped me to face children with special needs with a positive spirit.”