On the 11th of March, The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education held a highly successful 8th edition of the Science and Technology Fair with the support of the Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA), a pooled fund of Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland and Norway to support the implementation of the Education Sector Development Plan.

Out of 1300 project across the West Bank, 5 laureates were selected to participate in the global ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) competition in the US in May.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has been focusing on smart learning and innovation through STEM and e-learning activities for years. These activities are believed to develop the capacity of students and teachers, to equip them with the twenty-first-century skills, and to develop creativity and excellence needed in a demanding and competitive world.

The Palestinian Ministry, together with Enabel, received the first 'Prize Digital for Development (D4D)' in Belgium at the end of 2016. The prize was awarded to the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education for their attainments in the E-learning project: https://open.enabel.be/en/PSE/2175/219/u/palestinian-e-learning-project-wins-belgian-digitalisation-...

Belgium continues to support the Ministry to promote STEM and digitalization through the Joint Financing Arrangement through the following activities:

• Enhancing internet connectivity in more than 100 schools in remote areas
• Training over 6000 teachers in designing computerized units and lessons, and in technology and science
• Equipping more than 150 technology labs
• Equipping more than 50 science labs
• Supporting national competitions and fairs in science, technology, and mobile apps
• Equipping over a 100 computer labs.