Proposal:

 

Speaking Tour on the Road Map to Peace

 

Organization Name:

Zajel Youth Exchange Program

Public Relations Department

An-Najah National University

Nablus

Palestine.

Contact:

Zajel Youth Exchange Program

Public Relations Department

An-Najah National University

P.O. Box 7,

Nablus, Palestine

Phone: + 972 9 2381113-7

Fax:     + 972 9 2387982

E-mail:  youthexchange@najah.edu

Web page:  www.najah.edu/

 Submitted By

Zajel Youth Exchange Program

 

 

Proposal Objectives

The main objective of the project is to enable Palestinian and International students to discuss the context of the Middle East peace process in an open dialogue. The aim of the project is to narrow the knowledge gap on both sides. For internationals, this is a tremendous opportunity for first-hand contact with Palestinians, which will provide them with valuable insights into the situation in the Occupied Territories.

 

Zajel Youth Exchange Program

Zajel is the Arabic word for the well known carrier pigeon, used during many years as an important mean of communication. It represents the way we see those participating in our exchange programs: people that will deliver a message of peace and solidarity across the world. Zajel is an international self-financing, non-profit, educational program within the Public Relations Department of An Najah National University in Nablus, Palestine.

 

Speaking Tour on the Road Map to Peace

The speaking tour aims to facilitate open and interactive discussion between students of An-Najah National University and international university students with particular regard to the context of the current Middle East peace process.

One of the goals is to allow internationals to explore the Palestinian perspective, as personal contact between Palestinian and international students is an essential element in the process of refining an informed opinion. At the same time, the speaking tour will provide Palestinian students with a chance to see how they are perceived by the outside world.

An open dialogue will reveal a great deal to both sides, and a cultivation of this understanding is in itself vital to the peace process.

 

Executive Summary

Meaningful public debate on the peace process in the Middle East is predicated on an understanding of its context. The mass media often sensationalizes issues, and this detracts from the general understanding of reality in the Occupied Territories.

Few reporters spend a substantial amount of time in the West Bank. They are often reluctant, perhaps preferring the relative comfort of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Reporters normally do not speak Arabic, and many seem to lack understanding of Palestinian culture and history.

Through the speaking tour, Zajel would like to facilitate discussion of daily Palestinian life as the context for the peace process. Overall, the goal of Zajel is to build a wide network of young people that understand each other's society and culture.

 

Program Goals

To raise awareness of issues and problems that have a direct impact on the peace process. This would be of particular benefit to students of Journalism, Political Science, Middle East Studies, History and International Relations.

  • To present the Palestinian vision of peace.

  • To present the Palestinian perception of their reality as the context to peace.

  • To enable Palestinians to see how their situation and culture is viewed from abroad.

 

Project Brief

For the purposes of presenting a balanced perspective on Palestinian daily life, one male and one female speaker would be sent on the speaking tour. The speaking program would involve a one hour presentation followed by the opportunity for an hour's questions and discussion.

Presentation Logistics

 

The following is required for the duration of the presentation.

  • LCD projector

  • Laptop

  • DVD player

 

Budget

In order to implement the project, Zajel requires the following financial support to afford the tour's expenses:

  • Return travel tickets from Amman/Jordan to the hosting country for the two Palestinians who will be speaking.

  • Expenses for a venue for the presentation.

  • Accommodation for the two local Palestinian organizers for the duration of the presentation. The duration is negotiable with each institution.

  • Advertisement and promotion of the presentation.

We also request your assistance in helping our delegation obtain a visa.

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