On 5th of April 2017, Andreas Obrecht spoke with us about our project in the Ö1 radio programme “Dimensionen – die Welt der Wissenschaften”.   Ö1 press text with additional information (in German only): Aufgrund der forcierten israelischen Siedlungspolitik ist das Westjordanland, die West Bank in aller Munde. Ein 5.800 Quadratkilometer großes Territorium, auf dem rund 2,8 Millionen Menschen leben – ein in Zonen aufgeteiltes, segregiertes, von Checkpoints, Mauern, Stacheldraht und israelischen Siedlungen durchzogenes Land, das eigentlich palästinensisches Staatsgebiet hätte werden sollen. Seit mehr als zwei Jahrzehnten rückt die sogenannte Zweistaatenlösung aufgrund von Scharfmachern auf beiden Seiten in immer weitere Ferne. Wie kann soziale, kulturelle, ökonomische, aber auch politische Entwicklung für die Palästinenser unter den Bedingungen militärischer Besatzung gewährleistet werden? Was haben bislang von internationalen NGOs und UN-Organisationen implementierte Entwicklungsstrategien in den besetzten palästinensischen Gebieten bewirken können und gibt es überhaupt realistische Optionen und Alternativen für eine – aus palästinensischer Sicht – selbstbestimmte Zukunft? Mit diesen Fragen beschäftigt sich eine Forschungs- und Lehrkooperation zwischen der Birzeit Universität in Ramallah und der Universität Wien, die im Rahmen von APPEAR – dem Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for Development – durchgeführt wird. APPEAR ist ein Programm der Österreichischen Entwicklungszusammenarbeit und wird von der OeAD-GmbH implementiert. Das Projekt Rooting Development in the Palestinian Context bildet zudem insgesamt 50 Sozialwissenschafter/innen in Flüchtlingslagern im Libanon und in Jordanien aus. Auch wird in der Stärkung landwirtschaftlicher Genossenschaften ein Schlüssel zu alternativen Entwicklungswegen gesehen, wie eine Forschungsinitiative der KEF – der Kommission für Entwicklungsforschung bei der OeAD-GmbH – gezeigt hat. Eine Bilanz über Projekte in einem militärisch besetzten Land, die palästinensische Forscherinnen und Forscher in der West Bank, in Gaza und in der Diaspora ermächtigen will, die eigene soziale, kulturelle, ökonomische und politische Situation nach sozialwissenschaftlichen Kriterien zu erfassen und möglicherweise auch zu verändern.   Ö1-Radiosendung “Dimensionen – die Welt der Wissenschaften”  

Georg Layr presented our project at 13. Entwicklungspolitischen Filmtage “Palästina” in Linz after a screening of the documentary 5 Broken Cameras by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi.
 
Find more info and documentation here.
 

The project provides a set of answer to the needs that emerged during the past few years, particularly in the field of development. Therefore, the project’s activities commenced with a training that represented a fertile debate about the philosophy of research. The activities are carried out in different geographical areas, allowing wider dialogue on scientific research methodologies in light of the Palestinian situation under settler colonialism. The approach used in the project directs the expected studies towards the Palestinian cause and means to reinforce the Palestinians’ steadfastness in their lands against the colonial incursions of the occupation.

Mohaned Abdul Bari, Gaza

 
 

The yielded benefit was considerable as the project included a range of salient and diverse activities in the context of knowledge development and enhancing the critical and analytical thinking skills of the participants. The most important activity was implementing workshops that discussed many development topics such as youth employment projects. This workshop was concluded with a set of significant recommendations which we hope will widen the prospects of youth employment in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, the project is also expected to include the enhancement of critical thinking among participants in reading development studies.

I had a unique experience in participating in a paper submitted for the study day of Human Development Report 2015, and by participating in the preparation team to hold the debate about the role of youth employment projects in advancing development. In the next phase, I anticipate preparing a clear plan for the project along with the participants to identify the future activities that will include the remaining five panel discussions and the remaining training topics to be fully informed of such a plan.

Zubaida Abu Tawaha, Gaza

 
 

I had the honor of joining the rooting development training course and identify scientific research approaches as well as getting to know the trainer. I do really appreciate the opportunity to take part in this great course, with its solid material and highly qualified trainer.
Fatma Zakaria Wafi, Gaza
 
 

The course equipped me with a new and clear knowledge about scientific research approaches and methods as well as knowledge formation. I’m looking forward to gaining new skills in research preparation and correctly employing quantitative methods, in addition to know how to set up critical studies and scriptwriting methodology.

Mahmoud Abo Awda, Gaza

 
 

Actually, I’m interested in this kind of training specially its focus on development in Palestine, thus; I would really appreciate to give me the opportunity in this training to enforce my skills in this topic or regard. According to my knowledge the method is so special and unique because it will include the practical side and field activities which is really important to make sure that the received information for the participant’s will be in the right and successful way.
Horieh Hamed, West Bank

 
 

I’ve learned about the training program, from Dr. Hassan Ladadweh from the social and Behavioral science Department at the university. My desire to participate in this training for several reasons, including: Develop my skills in the preparation of research and social studies, Identify the most important issues of the Palestinian society and social phenomena, understanding deeply the Palestinian situation and exchange of experience and work with all colleagues. Also the supportive team at CDS: Program Coordinator, provide references and accessibility to all resources at the university.

Anas Lahaseh, West Bank

 
 

Working towards a new development agenda for Palestine, the project organised a panel discussion at Al-Azhar university to discuss the role of youth employment projects in advancing development. For more in formation in Arabic, click here.

 

Klaudia Rottenschlager and Helmut Krieger speak about local knowledge production and decolonial research methods in/on Palestine with Maiada Hadaia from Ö1 Campusradio (in German):

 

 

Original content posted here.