Bethlehem Christmas Photo Competition

Today we launched an exciting, new national initiative with our partners, including Sharek Youth Forum and many of the Youth Local Councils (YLCs) we work with, called “Friendly cities for people with disabilities - time to make a difference!â€‌ The initiative hopes to create awareness about the needs of persons with disabilities to live comfortably in â€کfriendly cities.’ The initiative also sheds light on the responsibility of local bodies to ensure their participation in making buildings and public spaces easily accessible for all.

Basha’er Othman, Youth Local Council President from Illar, served as Minister of Local Government for one day on 22 August following her recent appointment by Minister Sa’ed Al-Koni. On her day as Minister, Basha-er said her top orders of business were to continue the work she has done in her capacity as YLC President by: bolstering support for youth in good government and democratic processes, addressing rampant youth unemployment especially among recent graduates, encouraging increased investment in Area C, and learning more about the structure of government and its regulations. Minister Sa’ed said he was delighted to have Basha’er’s one day of service and that her appointment was a sign of progress. “This just goes to show that a young Palestinian woman can play a role as an important partner in Palestine.â€‌ Bash’er has been an active member of the YLC, an initiative implemented by Global Communities as part of the USAID-funded Local Government and Infrastructure (LGI). Previously Basha’er served as acting mayor of Illar for two months when she worked directly with municipal council members and staff.

With a majority of votes for female candidates, 8 young women and 5 young men were elected yesterday to the BirZeit Youth Local Council (YLC).

February 28-2013- Beit Fajjar: About 400 youth in Beit Fajjar elected the 13 Youth Local Council (YLC) members of which five were females, surpassing the quota by two. Muhannad Taqatqa, the former YLC president, said: “Youth are more aware and enthusiastic to participate because they saw the massive effect this initiative had and is continuing to have on our community; we are empowering youth to participate in the local governance process to make positive change.â€‌ This initiative funded by USAID and implemented by CHF International in partnership with Sharek under the Local Government and Infrastructure Program will establish YLCs to mirror local councils in its formation, composition, functions, and role to sensitize and enhance Palestinian youth understanding of local governance functions, and good democratic governance practices.

About 870 youth in Qalqiliya registered to vote for the 13 (YLC) candidates, up from around 340 in the last election. “Youth are very excited to participate and this is a very high rate of voters compared to the first round of elections, which is an indication to success,â€‌ said CHF’s Participatory Governance Coordinator for the North area, Mr. Mohammed Neirat. This initiative funded by USAID and implemented by CHF International in partnership with Sharek under the LGI Program will establish YLCs to mirror local councils in its formation, composition, functions, and role to sensitize and enhance Palestinian youth understanding of local governance functions, and good democratic governance practices.

440 interested youth in Anabta, Tulkarem Governorate, are diligently prepared for the new round of Anabta Youth Local Council (YLC) elections today, Dec 27, 2012. The 13 youth who meet the qualification criteria to serve as a General Assembly will be democratically elected to form the local youth council. This initiative funded by USAID, and implemented by CHF International under the LGI Program aims to establish YLCs to mirror the local council in its formation, composition, functions, and role to sensitize and enhance Palestinian youth understanding of local governance functions, and good democratic governance practices.

The USAID funded, CHF International implemented Local Democratic Reform engaged with youth through the Youth Local Council (YLC) project in 12 communities. In this picture youth in Halhoul organized the first National Cultural Festival and Trade Fair in their city in coordination with their local government. This festival was attended by over a thousand citizens and was deemed a success.

Basha’er Othman, a 15 years old young lady from ‘Illar,was appointed Minister for one day by Minister of Local Government, Mr. Sa’ed Al-Koni.

February 28-2013- Beit Fajjar: About 400 youth in Beit Fajjar elected the 13 Youth Local Council (YLC) members of which five were females, surpassing the quota by two. This initiative is funded by USAID and implemented by CHF International in partnership with Sharek under the Local Government and Infrastructure Program.