Global Connections and Exchange Program

The Palestinian Territories Global Connections and Exchange Program (GCEP), funded by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by Relief International- Schools Online,  acts to:

• Provide students with access to technology

·         Integrate IT and active learning methods into mainstream teaching

·         Encourage students to become active members of their communities

·         Promote cultural exchange and understanding within Palestine and further a field

During the first phase of the GCEP (2004-2005), extensive teacher training, a US exchange program, and a global network of collaborative online projects for students on civic education and global citizenship were organised to benefit six schools in the West Bank. Through this programme, over 2,000 students and 50 teachers were connected with their counterparts worldwide in countries such as Tajikistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the U.S. 

During the second phase of GCEP (2006-2007), we have increased our focus on community outreach and collaboration between students of different backgrounds. In order to reach this aim, two community centres have been established in Jenin and Hebron, and new partnerships formed with private schools and schools serving the refugee and destitute sections of society across the West Bank.  Through extracurricular student projects, this phase integrated local community initiatives within the education system and built on existing connectivity and exchange projects to reach and integrate disadvantaged youth from isolated communities. In addition US student exchanges helped some students to gain insight, and understanding of new cultures which are very different from their own.

As we move into the Third phase of GCEP (2007-2008), we have increased the focus on enhancing teachers’ skills through the establishment of the first Professional Teachers Center in the west bank. In addition we have focused on the community outreach hence we establish Community center in Bethlehem, and a new one is to be established in Nablus. American Component of the GCEP is to strengthen the Palestinian- American exchange and dialogue besides the actual American Exchange that will take part during this phase.